Former US Officials Warn China Is Surpassing US in Key Technologies
Former US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel and a group of ex-national security leaders have issued a stark warning about the growing technological gap between China and the US. In a letter addressed to top US political leaders, they urged Congress to boost funding for scientific research to help the country remain competitive in critical technology sectors.
Appeal to Protect Federal Research Funding
The call for action comes just one week after the National Science Foundation (NSF) laid off 170 employees. The move followed an order by President Donald Trump to reduce the federal workforce. Reports suggest that more job cuts may be on the horizon, along with significant budget reductions at the NSF.
Despite these setbacks, the group of former officials is asking Congress to fully fund the NSF. They recommend allocating at least $16 billion for the agency in fiscal year 2025. Their appeal was directed to President Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
China Leads in Critical Technological Advancements
The letter paints a concerning picture of global technological competition. According to data cited from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, China led the world in just three of 64 critical technologies between 2003 and 2007. By 2023, that number had surged to 57.
The signatories emphasised that China is strategically investing in both basic and applied research. They warned that such investments could enable China to dominate future technological developments—developments that may shape global military and economic power.
“This is a race that we cannot afford to lose,” the letter stated, highlighting the urgency of closing the widening gap in innovation and research.
Spotlight on NSF’s TIP Directorate
The letter also highlighted the importance of the NSF’s Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate. Created in 2022, TIP plays a key role in turning research into practical tools and applications that support US defence and economic systems.
However, TIP has been directly affected by the recent staffing cuts. More than 20% of its employees—21 individuals—were laid off last week. A further 20% are temporary workers who now face job insecurity.
Former Acting Defence Secretary Chris Miller and Doug Fears, who served as a homeland security adviser under Trump, also signed the letter alongside Hagel. Their joint message to lawmakers was clear: urgent and stable investment in research is vital to safeguard US leadership in emerging technologies.
with inputs from Reuters
