Lee, a Taiwanese-born tech investor, observes a significant divergence between the U.S. and China, particularly in technology and innovation. He notes China's "all-hands-on-deck approach to national innovation," exemplified by its ambitious A.I. plan aiming for "world leading" status by 2030. This contrasts with the U.S. approach, which he describes as less cohesive.

China's technological ascent is evident in sectors like electric vehicles, where BYD has surpassed Tesla, and in A.I., with Chinese firms releasing competitive models at lower costs. China now dominates global production of drones, EVs, batteries, and solar cells, and leads in industrial robots and clinical trials.

Lee's 2018 book, "AI Superpowers," predicted a "new world order" tilting toward China. This aligns with Beijing's view, articulated by Xi Jinping, that technology is the "main battlefield of international competition." The article highlights China's growing global trade dominance, with seven in ten countries trading more with China than the U.S. in 2023, a stark reversal from 2001.