Navigating the Tech-Security Landscape: Insights from Zhao Minghao on US-China Relations

（来源：中美聚焦，2025-01-13）

Donald Trump’s strong connections with tech leaders were a major part of his 2024 campaign. Key figures like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Marc Andreessen helped him raise funds and engage with voters. Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance also built bridges to Silicon Valley, gaining support from Thiel to secure his Senate seat.

In the U.S., technology isn’t just important for politics; it’s crucial for national security. As competition with China heats up, Washington emphasizes the need for advanced tech to maintain its position. Various government departments now rely on partnerships with tech firms to focus on fields like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. This partnership forms a new “technology-security complex” that supports U.S. global influence.

Biden’s latest National Security Strategy points to this decade as pivotal for U.S.-China relations. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan advocates for a strong digital revolution and better protection for U.S. tech. The White House has engaged closely with companies like Nvidia and Microsoft to enforce export restrictions on high-tech exports to China.

A significant shift is happening within U.S. science policy. Arati Prabhakar, the head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, has a defense background and focuses on integrating national security into tech policy. Her team includes staff dedicated to these security concerns.

National security now extends into basic research. The National Science Foundation has new guidelines for projects that could involve collaboration with government military and intelligence agencies, aimed at limiting engagements with China.

Congress has seen a surge in tech-focused legislation concerning China. Senate leaders emphasize that national security is increasingly tied to technological advancement. They’ve even established bipartisan groups to keep America ahead in areas like artificial intelligence.

The push to restrict Chinese access to advanced technology is gaining momentum. Figures like Jacob Helberg, connected to both the tech world and Congress, are advocating for a united front against China, framing it as a necessary battle in a new cold war.

Tech leaders, such as Palmer Luckey, CEO of Anduril Industries, share a hardline stance on China, suggesting military conflict might be inevitable. New think tanks focused on technology security and competition are emerging, linking the tech sector more closely with national security.

Organizations like the Center for Security and Emerging Technology are influencing American policy from their strategic location in Washington. They’re addressing the intersection of technology, security, and U.S.-China relations in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Some groups act as both consultancies and think tanks. They work with national security agencies to understand tech research and the broader tech ecosystem. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation pushes for policies to counter China’s technological advances and stresses the need for a national innovation system focusing on security.

Collaboration between national security officials and tech experts is becoming key to U.S. strategy against China. Individuals like Jason Matheny, previously with the National Security Council, now lead influential positions and shape tech policies aimed at China. Others, like former congressman Will Hurd, also express strong views against China’s technological influence.

In summary, the ties between the tech sector and U.S. national security are tightening. This trend appears to be growing as Trump prepares to take office again. The evolving technology-security complex reflects a significant theme in U.S. strategy and has profound implications for future U.S.-China relations. Understanding these dynamics is essential.