Scientific innovation has been driving US economic growth for decades. Losing that edge means losing access to the technologies and brainpower that come with it.
Keep in mind that the Chinese scientists have a lower pay than their American counterparts. And that sourcing materials in China is usually cheaper. So even an equal amount of spending already means a lot more research in China.
Keep in mind that the Chinese scientists have a lower pay than their American counterparts. And that sourcing materials in China is usually cheaper. So even an equal amount of spending already means a lot more research in China.