By: Manoj Karki

The emergence of China as a global techno-security state has significantly reshaped the international geopolitical landscape. At the core of this transformation is China’s ability to integrate cutting-edge technology into its national security framework, creating a comprehensive strategy for both economic and military dominance. In his book Innovate to Dominate: The Rise of the Chinese Techno-Security State, Tai Ming Cheung provides an in-depth analysis of how China has successfully implemented its techno-security strategy under the leadership of Xi Jinping.

Historical Context and the Foundations of the Techno-Security State

China’s journey toward becoming a techno-security state can be traced back to Mao Zedong’s era, with the ‘Two Bombs, One Satellite’ project that aimed to secure China’s technological self-sufficiency in nuclear and space technologies​. However, it was under Xi Jinping’s leadership that the techno-security state truly took shape. Xi inherited a robust national innovation framework from previous leaders but expanded its scope by prioritizing technological self-reliance in the context of national security​.

Xi’s leadership has been marked by several key strategies aimed at integrating innovation with security. One of these strategies is the Innovation-Driven Development Strategy (IDDS), launched in 2013, which focuses on advancing China’s technological capabilities to maintain its global competitiveness and safeguard its national interests. Xi’s emphasis on innovation is not only about economic progress but is deeply linked to military and strategic goals. This dual-purpose innovation approach underlines the techno-security state model​.

Key Elements of the Chinese Techno-Security State

Cheung identifies four pillars that underpin China’s techno-security state: innovation-driven development, military-civil fusion (MCF), military modernization, and national security strategies.

Innovation-Driven Development Strategy (IDDS): The IDDS, as the cornerstone of Xi’s innovation policy, encourages the development of critical technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and defense technologies. Cheung argues that this strategy is designed to reduce China’s dependence on foreign technologies, particularly from the United States, and to position China as a leader in the global tech race​.

Military-Civil Fusion (MCF): One of the most distinctive aspects of China’s techno-security state is its Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) strategy, which integrates civilian industries with the military to enhance national security. Cheung emphasizes that this policy enables China to pool resources from its civilian sector to accelerate military advancements without the need for a traditional arms race​. MCF has allowed China to leverage innovations in civilian industries, such as telecommunications and aerospace, for military purposes. This integration has proved crucial in developing dual-use technologies, which serve both commercial and defense needs.

Military Modernization: Xi’s administration has invested heavily in modernizing the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), making it a key component of the techno-security state. Cheung notes that China’s military modernization goes beyond conventional arms development, focusing on high-tech capabilities such as cyber warfare, space technologies, and precision-guided weapons. This modernization effort is in line with China’s broader national security strategy, which views technological superiority as essential to maintaining global influence and securing its national interests.

National Security Strategy: China’s national security strategy under Xi has expanded to address both traditional and non-traditional threats. The establishment of the Central National Security Commission (CNSC) in 2014 exemplifies the institutionalization of this broader security vision, which encompasses not only military threats but also economic and technological vulnerabilities​. Xi’s holistic approach to national security ensures that technological innovation is viewed as a critical asset for both economic stability and military preparedness.

Comparison with the United States

Cheung provides a comparative analysis of China’s techno-security state with the United States, particularly focusing on their divergent approaches to technological innovation and national security. While the U.S. relies on a market-driven model of innovation, China’s state-led approach allows for more rapid mobilization of resources. Cheung argues that China’s authoritarian governance structure, combined with the SAMI (Selective Authoritarian Mobilization and Innovation) model, gives it a strategic advantage in mobilizing technological resources for both civilian and military purposes​.

However, Cheung also highlights the risks associated with China’s model. The centralized control that enables rapid resource mobilization can also stifle innovation, as it limits private sector dynamism and may lead to inefficiencies in the long run. Moreover, international responses to China’s techno-security strategy, particularly from the U.S., have resulted in increased scrutiny and trade restrictions, potentially hindering China’s access to critical technologies​.

Implications for International Security

The rise of China’s techno-security state has profound implications for global security. Cheung argues that as China continues to close the technological gap with the West, it is likely to exert more influence over global governance, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, AI regulation, and space technologies​. The integration of civilian and military sectors under MCF further complicates the international landscape, as technologies developed in one context can quickly be repurposed for military use.

Additionally, Cheung suggests that the techno-security competition between China and the U.S. is likely to intensify, with both countries vying for dominance in emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing​. This competition could lead to further geopolitical tensions, particularly as both nations seek to protect their technological advantages and influence global standards.

Conclusion

Tai Ming Cheung’s Innovate to Dominate provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of China’s rise as a techno-security state. Through its emphasis on innovation-driven development, military-civil fusion, and national security, China has positioned itself as a formidable global power with the potential to challenge the United States’ technological supremacy. However, as Cheung notes, the sustainability of China’s model is not guaranteed. Internal challenges, such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and external pressures, may limit China’s ability to maintain its technological edge. Nonetheless, the rise of the Chinese techno-security state marks a significant shift in global power dynamics, with far-reaching implications for international security and governance.