Mianyang has gained its reputation as a technology center due to its importance as a base for national defense, scientific research and production.

FORBES: China's Best Kept Secrets: Mianyang And Other Tier 3 Cities

First, U.S. investment in its own research and development technology base is likely to be significantly reduced as a result of defense budget cuts.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | Submitted Testimony by Frank J. Gaffney, Jr. on The Application Of National Security Export Controls To The East Bloc

Energy, technology, manufacturing and trade are far preferable as an economic base.

FORBES: Where Americans Are Moving

As with any radical change to an existing technology, especially a jet engine, a large installed base of expertise together with lots of regulation mean it can be hard for a newcomer to make headway.

ECONOMIST: A new way to build a greener jet engine