Silicon Valley’s loss will be China’s gain

Advantage, China: It’s impossible for Silicon Valley to fight a trade war and a win a tech battle at the same time. — AFP

THERE are no winners from a prolonged trade war. But if this drags on, US President Donald Trump could see China’s tech sector weather the blows much better than Silicon Valley.

While US companies are working to navigate the multilateral tariff battle instigated by Washington, Beijing will no doubt seize the opportunity to gain an edge in key technologies such as artificial intelligence, and end up setting global standards for its use.