China's Robotics Market Nears 50% Global Share as Call for US Industrial Espionage Emerges

A recent social media post by user "rohit" has ignited discussion by suggesting the United States should engage in "good old fashioned industrial espionage" to understand China's rapid advancements in robotics, factories, and drones. This controversial proposal comes amidst escalating technological rivalry and long-standing concerns over intellectual property theft between the two global powers. The tweet underscores a perceived technological gap and a desire to learn from China's industrial prowess.

China has cemented its position as a global leader in robotics, with its share of industrial robot installations soaring from approximately one-fifth to over half of the world's total demand within a decade. According to the International Federation of Robotics, Chinese factories housed over 2 million robots last year, installing nearly 300,000 new units in 2024 alone—more than the rest of the world combined. This growth is largely attributed to ambitious state-driven plans, including "Made in China 2025" and the "14th Five-Year Plan for Robot Industry Development."

Beijing's strategic initiatives involve substantial financial backing, such as a recently announced state-backed venture capital fund expected to attract nearly 1 trillion yuan (US$138 billion) for robotics, AI, and cutting-edge innovation. This comprehensive support includes subsidies for robot purchases, tax incentives for research and development, and the establishment of national robotics innovation centers. China also aims for mass production of humanoid robots by 2025, with a goal of achieving world leadership in this sector by 2027.

The call for US industrial espionage surfaces against a backdrop of persistent accusations by the United States regarding Chinese intellectual property theft. US authorities have frequently cited cases of industrial espionage, including instances involving stolen trade secrets related to gas turbines and aviation technology, alongside widespread cyberattacks targeting US companies and government entities. A 2015 agreement between the two nations to curb cyber-enabled commercial IP theft has had limited impact, according to observers.

The suggestion by "rohit" highlights the intense competition in advanced manufacturing and technology. While the US has implemented various measures to counter foreign espionage and protect its technological edge, including export controls and regulatory frameworks for data security and connected technologies, direct calls for reciprocal espionage remain a contentious and ethically complex proposition in international relations.