Beijing’s Strategy to Seize the New Frontiers of Power
Elizabeth Economy | Foreign Affairs, January/February 2026
In How China Wins the Future, the author examines how Beijing is positioning itself to dominate emerging sectors that will define global power in the coming decades. Rather than focusing only on short-term competition, China is pursuing a long-term strategy aimed at technological leadership, industrial dominance, and geopolitical leverage.
Strategic Control Over Emerging Technologies
The article explains that China treats advanced technology as a pillar of national power. Artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean energy, quantum computing, and digital infrastructure are not seen merely as economic sectors. Instead, they are integrated into a coordinated national strategy.
Through state-led investment, industrial policy, and centralized planning, Beijing aligns political authority with economic ambition. This model allows China to mobilize capital, talent, and infrastructure toward strategic industries more systematically than market-driven systems often can.
Industrial Policy as Geopolitical Strategy
Moreover, China’s approach is not defensive. It aims to shape the future architecture of global supply chains and technological standards. By building dominance in critical sectors, Beijing increases its influence over international markets and regulatory frameworks.
At the same time, the article notes that this strategy creates long-term leverage. Control over production networks, rare earth materials, battery supply chains, and digital platforms strengthens China’s bargaining power in global competition.
The Global Implications
The essay argues that the real contest is not about a single breakthrough but about structural positioning. Leadership in future industries will determine economic resilience, military capacity, and diplomatic influence.
Ultimately, China’s advantage lies in strategic coherence. Whether other major powers can respond with similar coordination and long-term vision remains uncertain.
Reference
Economy, E. (2026). How China wins the future: Beijing’s strategy to seize the new frontiers of power. Foreign Affairs, 105(1). https://www.foreignaffairs.com/