China leads global research in nearly 90% of key technologies, challenging U.S. dominance

China now leads research in nearly 90% of 74 critical technologies, according to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's December 2025 Critical Technology Tracker.

China also produces 70% of the world's EVs, 80%–85% of global solar photovoltaic manufacturing, and over 75% of battery production. The report measures cited research rather than deployable manufacturing, a gap the article flags as a key caveat.