The specific strategies employed by a hegemon in dealing with rising
powers are a crucial aspect of understanding the power competition between the
United States and China. International relations paradigms have been influenced
by the notion of the inevitable decline of hegemonic power, often disregarding
the fact that a hegemon is a product of international-level efforts in science
and technological innovation. This article aims to delineate the significance
of technological innovation in maintaining global dominance for a hegemon
with the leadership long cycles theory. It presents an analytical framework
to examine how a hegemon addresses the challenge posed by rising powers
aiming to catch up in technological innovation. The analysis delves into the
varied aspects of the United States’ responses to threats posed by technological
advancements from the Soviet Union and Japan during the Cold War. It
identifies measures adopted by the United States, such as export controls, self-
strengthening, self-reinforcement, containment, and absorption, particularly
in critical emerging high-tech sectors, in an effort to impede China’s progress
in technological innovation. The article concludes that the efficacy of export-
control measures in stalling China’s technological advancements is not
substantial. Looking ahead, the ability of the United States to control crucial
nodes in the technological innovation network, rally support from its allies, and
drive domestic technological innovations will pose a significant challenge to its
sustained hegemony.