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China Surges Ahead in Key Technologies, South Korea Trails

2/26/2026

50 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

South Korea's science ministry says China widened its lead in critical technologies, outpacing 11 priority sectors and 136 core technologies (2022–2024).
Analysts urge cooperation in technology and economic development.
The review ranks the United States at 100%, the European Union at 93.8%, China at 86.8%, Japan at 86.2%, and South Korea at 82.8%, with South Korea 2.8 years behind the United States and 0.7 years behind China.

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Story summary

South Korea's science ministry says China widened its lead in critical technologies, outpacing 11 priority sectors and 136 core technologies (2022–2024).
Analysts urge cooperation in technology and economic development.
The review ranks the United States at 100%, the European Union at 93.8%, China at 86.8%, Japan at 86.2%, and South Korea at 82.8%, with South Korea 2.8 years behind the United States and 0.7 years behind China.