Center for Strategic and International Studies
·
Published
November 17, 2023

Rethinking Technology Transfer Policy toward China

Centrist
Research
·
U.S.-China Relations
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Summary

  • Current methods like export controls are not enough to change China's practices on stolen technology, and the West needs to work together prevent this.
  • The article emphasizes a coordinated diplomatic effort to make China a responsible participant in global markets, focusing on reducing China's unfair trade behaviors and holding it accountable for its actions.

Overview:

This report by James Andrew Lewis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) discusses the need for a new strategy in the West's technology transfer policy toward China. The report examines the strategic risks posed by China's commercial and technology practices and suggests that a collective approach is necessary to compel China to become a responsible participant in global markets.

Key Points:

  1. China's technology practices create strategic risks, and the Western response has been inadequate in protecting interests and compelling China to change.
  2. A collective approach is needed to deny China the ability to export products of illicitly acquired technology and to engage in a sustained diplomatic effort.​

Key Quotes:

  1. "The greatest leverage will come from a collective approach to deny China the ability to export the products of illicitly acquired technology."
  2. "Managing technology transfer to China is a central strategic consideration for Western countries."

What They Discuss:

  • The importance of technology as a key determinant of national power and its role in international relations.
  • The need to rebuild the technology and trade relationship with China to make it fair and trustworthy.
  • The challenges in managing technology transfer to China, including the need for concrete steps to repair relations.
  • Recommendations for a new approach, including denying China the benefits of illicit activities and extending the notion of buying from trustworthy suppliers.
  • The need for mechanisms to hold China accountable and policies that restrict China’s ability to exploit Western markets.​

What They Recommend:

  • Articulating a consistent message to China and the international community on required changes by China.
  • Measurable reductions in illicit or predatory behavior by China.
  • Efforts to accelerate Western innovation, with continued interaction with Chinese firms and researchers under certain conditions.
  • Policy and regulation in Western countries to allow interaction with China, subject to measures that restrict exploitation.​

Key Takeaways:

  • The report highlights the need for a coordinated and comprehensive diplomatic response to redefine interactions with China.
  • It emphasizes the importance of technology in the strategic competition with China and the need for a sustainable policy.
  • The recommendations aim to balance the need for continued interaction with China while protecting Western interests and encouraging responsible participation by China in the global economy.

This is a brief overview of the report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies. For complete insights, we recommend reading the full report.

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Original Read Time
9 min
Organization
The Brookings Institution
Category
Israel-Gaza War
Political Ideology
Center Left

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