China takes lead in critical technology research after 'switching places' with US

FILE - A self-guided misting robot makes its way past attendees at the ZGC Forum in Beijing, Friday, Sept. 24, 2021.

An Australian think tank that tracks tech competitiveness says China is now the world leader in research on almost 90% of critical technologies. In a newly released report, the research group adds there is also a high risk of Beijing securing a monopoly on defense-related tech, including drones, satellites and collaborative robots — those that can work safely alongside humans.