Alright guys, let's stop digressing too much, and go back to the topic.
I believe the power of nation is reflected by many indicators, more than just a GDP number. Those indicators should contain the strength of: economy, military, ideology, culture/tradition, intellectuals, etc.
Currently, astonishingly 10% of US doctorate degrees are awarded to Chinese students…
Currently, rich Chinese are sending billions of dollars every year to US for becoming a legal US resident (EB5 visa)…
Chinese people may brag about that, but it is a very bad thing for China. If talented people emigrate out of China, China’s possible 2nd position is not optimistic. China should be able to absorb the best people in the world. This has to happen mainly out of needs of Chinese market and the wishes of the talents, not out of only authoritarian commands. BTW, I’m not saying government incentives are not needed.
After all, this is due to the lack of soft power in China.
Though thanks to jingoistic or extremist American politicians, like their predecessor McCarthy, for producing incidents like Dr. Wen-ho Lee, etc. some Chinese talents are either left US for China or switch to less sensitive (non-military) areas, but still China hasn’t done enough on many issues to look appealing to talents.
China needs to drain back the brain. Period.