I think part of it is moving most manufacturing to China had companies like Molex move as well (cheaper). Molex builds the molds for items (I’m sure other companies are doing this to). That means the Chinese are reviving the designs BEFORE manufacturing even starts (US or China or India).

My understanding from the tool & die industry is that’s only been happening the last decade or so. IMO that’s the real issue, because it’s decimating the ability to manufacture here and sure design can happen in the US, but if you can’t build the molds for the latest tech here then it doesn’t matter. Those designs are given straight to China, no need to reverse engineer.

Recently, Like in the case of 5G. They are the innovators and others are the catchers. I think labeling every western company as truly innovator and the Chinese ones as copy-cats is the modus operandi in the US but that is clinging to the old stereotypes in fast changing times. They built up massive expertise and are putting it into use to gain more edge on other countries including the US.

Huawei's contribution to 5G is probably overstated. Looking at the 3GPP rapporteur roster, a lot of work is done by Qualcomm engineers with Chinese names. This is why immigration is so important to the US in order to attract the best talents to contribute to US IP.

https://www.lightreading.com/5g/huaweis-patents-wont-save-it...