TTLV: US-China Competition in Technology (2017-2025) from a Constructivist Perspective

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER'S THESIS

1. Student's full name: Pham Luu Binh 2. Gender: Male

3. Date of birth: October 26, 1989

4. Place of birth: Hanoi

5. Decision to recognize student No. 5915 dated October 28, 2024, by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

6. Changes in the training process: None

7. Thesis Title: US-China Competition in Technology (2017-2025) from a Constructivist Perspective

8. Major:International Relations; Code: 8310601.01

9. Scientific advisor: Dr. Le Lena, Institute of Educational and Liberal Sciences, VinUniversity.

10. Summary of the thesis results:

In theory:This thesis systematizes the theoretical basis of constructivism in explaining international technological competition, emphasizing the role of intangible factors such as identity, perception, and norms.

In practical termsThis thesis analyzes the shift in inter-stakeholder perception in US-China relations from "contact" to "strategic competition" since 2017; clarifies the process of technological "securityization" and the creation of contrasting identities between the US's "democratic technological leadership" and China's "self-reliant superpower" identity; and analyzes the discourse war and efforts to standardize global technological rules between the two countries.

Consequences: This points out that the discourse and norm war is leading to the fragmentation of the global digital order, forming a systemic confrontational structure that is difficult to compromise on.

11. Practical applications: The research findings of this thesis provide important scientific arguments for policymakers in Vietnam in responding to the impacts of the US-China competition, especially in the areas of technological security, digital transformation, and international investment.

12. Future research directions: (if any)

13. Published works related to the thesis:

Pham Luu Binh (2023), “The US-China Trade War: A Five-Year Retrospective (2017-2023)”,Journal of Chinese Studies, 6 (262), pp. 49-60.

Pham Luu Binh (2025), “On the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China”,Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies, No. 3, 2025, pp. 29-39.

Pham Luu Binh (2025), “US-China competition in the field of submarine cables in the South China Sea (2020-2025)”,Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies, No. 1, 2025, pp. 73-85.

Pham Luu Binh (2025), “Forecast of US trade policy toward China under President Donald Trump’s second term and China’s countermeasures”,World Economic and Political Journal, 6 (350), pp. 14-24.

Pham Luu Binh (2026), “US-China competition in the field of technology from the perspective of Constructivism”,Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies, No. 4, 2026, pp. 122-136.

INFORMATION ON MASTER'S THESIS

1. Full name: Pham Luu Binh 2. Sex: Male

3. Date of birth: October 26, 1989 4. Place of birth: Hanoi

5. Admission decision number: 5915 Dated October 28, 2024, issued by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

6. Changes in academic process: None

7. Official thesis title: US-China Competition in the Technology Sector (2017-2025) from a Constructivist Perspective

8. Major: International Relations 9. Code:8310601.01

10. Supervisors: Dr. Le Lena, College of Arts and Sciences, VinUniversity.

11. Summary of the findings of the thesis:

Theoretical aspects: The thesis systematizes the theoretical framework of constructivism in explaining international economic competition, emphasizing the role of ideational factors such as identity, perception, and norms.

Real aspects: The thesis analyzes the shift in intersubjective perception in US-China relations from “engagement” to “strategic competition” since 2017. It clarifies the process of “securitizing” technology and building opposing identities between the US as a “democratic technological leader” and China as a “self-reliant power”. Furthermore, it examines the discourse warfare and norm-making efforts regarding global economic rules between the two nations.

Consequences: The study indicates that the clash of discourses and norms is leading to the fragmentation of the global digital order, establishing a systemic confrontation structure that is difficult to compromise.

12. Practical applicability, if any: The research findings provide important scientific arguments for remaining in Vietnam to respond to the impacts of the US-China competition, particularly in the fields of technological security, digital transformation, and international investment.

13. Further research directions, if any:

14. Thesis-related publications:

Pham Luu Binh (2023), “Looking Back at the Five-Year China-US Trade War (2017-2023)”,Journal of Chinese Studies, 6 (262), pp. 49-60.

Pham Luu Binh (2025), “Discussion on the 4th Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China”,Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies, No. 3, 2025, pp. 29-39.

Pham Luu Binh (2025), “US-China Competition in Submarine Cables in the South China Sea (2020-2025)”,Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies, No. 1, 2025, pp. 73-85.

Pham Luu Binh (2025), “Forecasting US Trade Policy towards China under President Donald Trump's Second Term and China's Countermeasures”,Journal of World Economy and Politics, 6 (350), pp. 14-24.

Pham Luu Binh (2026), “US-China Competition in the Technology Sector from a Constructivist Perspective”,Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies, No. 4, 2026, pp. 122-136.