US-China technology rivalry enters a new phase before presidential summit

The United States and China are due to hold a presidential meeting in Washington, with attention focused on whether the two countries can advance their agreement to work towards “constructive strategic stability”. The meeting comes as the two largest economies continue a prolonged rivalry involving both economic and technological competition. The available source material describes the contest as having developed since the previous summit between the countries’ leaders.

Sylvia Ma, writing for the South China Morning Post, examines the levers available to Washington and Beijing as they compete. The analysis focuses on the ways economic policy and technology have become connected in the broader relationship. Huawei Technologies has been a central battleground in the dispute for years, according to the report.

The company’s place in the rivalry reflects the importance both governments attach to technological capability and influence. The presidents’ meeting will therefore be watched not only for any immediate agreement, but also for indications of how the two sides intend to manage their continuing economic and technology competition. The supplied material does not specify which individual measures will be discussed or whether the summit will produce a new deal.