I know for many AI is still a bit of a mystery and I get that. For developers like me it’s become an everyday tool, so I understand the societal and geopolitical implications of its relentless march forward in search of conscious intelligence.
The dramatic $1.1 trillion loss on the US stock market yesterday and the stock falls of the key players is for one reason, and one reason alone. The arrogance of US players that thought they had the markets in their pockets. BIG MISTAKE!
For decades China has quietly used the huge revenues from foreign countries exporting manufacturing to their country to boost the bottom line. China has simply used that money to build world class infrastructure, put huge investments into education and technology, while the US was asleep at the wheel. Oh and did I mention they are the largest holder of U.S. debt along with Japan. This is before we talk about real estate holdings and farmland they own.
The critical point here, is that even if the U.S. wanted to bring all its manufacturing home it would cost trillions and take decades. Meanwhile, China can produce almost anything within its own borders. If they did take back Taiwan, they would take control of 80% of global computer chip manufacturing. That’s before we discuss their Belt and Road initiative and investments to control mineral resources in Africa. Oh and incidentally, the U.S. military would not be able to stop them.
China has played the long game and carefully put all the chess pieces in the right place. It’s time to wake up to the reality that America is not roaring back, it is hanging on by the fingertips as the world moves on. A large part of its population is not well educated and now they intend to close down the Department of Education. The global realignment is already coming down the track and without some humility from the U.S. it’s game over.
Wars will no longer be fought with aircraft carriers and tanks, they will be fought with technology and bio weapons. It’s time for the world to wake up and recognize that isolationism is no protection from a resurgent China.
