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Economist Warns U.S. Risks Losing Tech Edge to China

1/21/2026

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Story summary
  • Joel Mokyr, economist, warned that the U.S. risks falling behind China in technology due to actions by the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration against scientific research at the University of Hong Kong.
  • He cited over 7,800 research grants were suspended or canceled last year.
  • The State Department proposed suspending 38 universities from research partnerships over diversity hiring practices.
  • Mokyr said China has not adopted restrictions and could gain an edge.