Comment by godwinson__4-8 | Hacker News Reader

Comment by godwinson__4-8 | Hacker News Reader

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The idea that America is going to stay ahead of China is I think at this point clearly delusional. It's also just such silly framing. Why should 350 million people stay ahead of 1 billion people on the other side of the world? If an AI lab in China cures cancer or something do Americans lose?

So many Americans seem to (at least in theory) be ready to sign up for this ongoing confrontation with China. Does anyone think it isn't America who is poking the bear when it comes to the Thucydides trap? Why not try to get along? It occurs to me the only people more Chinese innovation would hurt are the mega cap class in the United States. Elon Musk certainly doesn't want BYD in the United States. Same story all the way down with these super capitalized AI companies. Most average Americans would probably be better off in a world where the United States and China got along. But its those Americans who will be called upon to suffer most of the burden if that trap ever springs.

By this population-only logic, you should concede that India will overtake China.

Why not talk about how China shut out American companies for decades before complaining about BYD?

As an Indian immigrant, the PRC China has engaged in conflict with almost all its neighbors and stated wars in its short history.

China is not so benevolent when they get to the #1 spot:

https://m.economictimes.com/industry/renewables/china-wto-co...

Its not population only logic, but it does underscore that it is silly to expect the United States to inevitably be ahead.

As for the rest of it:

https://youtu.be/74DAI2hr9Kk?t=159

I dont necessarily disagree with you on your other points, but the population argument sort of shows a lack of understanding of how China works. It’s not guaranteed at all that they will ever overtake the US.

It wasn't a claim about "how China works" it was a humanistic point that 350 million people should not envy the progress of 1 billion people on the other side of the world.

It's not in the interests of the vast majority of either country to engage in conflict. American citizens should therefore resist the professed bellicosity of leaders who will never see any consequences, on a battlefield or otherwise. The average American will not be so lucky. Chinese innovation in a world of cooperation need not be less beneficial to Americans than the reverse.

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