Way beyond Sputnik: China’s AI drive just the tip of the iceberg

America’s mass manufacturing revolution more than a century ago changed everything. China is doing the same now.

China’s AI advances have drawn the most attention – but the Asian giant’s tech know-how is pulling even, or even overtaking, the US in many other areas. Bethany Rae

Frank Yuan

Feb 6, 2025 – 5.00am

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Many have evoked America’s space race with the Soviet Union recently, but a more accurate metaphor for China’s stunning tech advances lies further back.

America’s mass manufacturing revolution more than a century ago – embodied in the Ford Model T – changed everything. China is doing the same now. And while America ultimately prevailed in the Cold War, there is no certainty it will win again.