Part I: Biotechnology in U.S.-China Competition: A Conversation with Senator Todd Young

Biotechnology represents a critical frontier for U.S. national security and economic competitiveness, particularly as the field evolves from scientific discovery to intentional design and large-scale biomanufacturing. Senator Todd Young, Chair of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, highlights that while the U.S. maintains an innovation edge, China’s top-down strategic investments and control over key nodes—such as biological data and supply chains—pose significant risks. To maintain leadership, the Commission advocates for a comprehensive action plan, including the establishment of a centralized federal authority for biotech, the creation of an "AI-ready" biological data library, and regulatory reforms to streamline industrial biomanufacturing. These measures aim to secure supply chains, such as shelf-stable synthetic blood for warfighters, and ensure the U.S. effectively leverages its private sector strengths to counter systemic challenges from China.