Special Articles

Science and Technology Diplomacy in the Era of U.S.-China Technology Rivalry

YoungJa Bae

Abstract

What is the role that science and technology diplomacy can play amid the competition between the United 

States and China for technological hegemony? Can science and technology still serve as a bridge between countries 

and mitigate conflict? What does it mean to talk about cooperation on new technologies for climate change and 

pandemics in the midst of the ongoing and unrelenting science and technology competition in reality?

The current competition between the United States and China highlights the need to consider factors other than 

economic costs in technological innovation, such as security, health, and the environment. And because national 

security considerations are closely intertwined with technological innovation, science and technology diplomacy 

is now being approached from a security perspective. As regulations tighten on the free flow of R&D funds and 

personnel across borders, which has been the driving force behind global technological innovation, innovation is 

becoming more costly, and discussions are emerging about the possible bifurcation of the global innovation system. 

International cooperation in emerging technology areas such as climate change, pandemics, and artificial intelligence 

is also declining. In this article, the author recognizes that competition in science and technology is inevitable, but on 

the other hand, the call for cooperation in science and technology is as strong as ever, emphasizing the importance of 

science and technology diplomacy that balances cooperation and competition.