An analysis has pointed out that the biggest weakness facing the United States in its technological hegemony competition with China is neither semiconductors nor artificial intelligence, but "education."

When comparing the math scores of 15-year-old students, the gap between the participating regions of China and the United States widened to 149 points.

The Wall Street Journal analyzed that converting this gap into learning volume amounts to a staggering difference of over 7 years.

In the recently released Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025, the average math score of four participating Chinese regions—Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu Province, and Zhejiang Province—was 612, the highest among all participating countries and economies.

In contrast, the United States lagged behind at 463.

The gap is showing a trend of widening further.

Compared to 2018, the math score for the participating Chinese regions rose by 21 points from 591 to 612, whereas the U.S. score dropped by 15 points from 478 to 463.

The Wall Street Journal added that China's increase corresponds to about one year of learning progress, while the U.S. decline equates to roughly nine months of regression.

The gap was even more pronounced among top-tier students.

Students scoring in levels 5 and 6, the highest tier in mathematics, accounted for 54%—more than half—in the participating Chinese regions, compared to just 8% in the United States.

In science as well, the participating Chinese regions recorded the highest average at 597, while the U.S. scored 502.

The Wall Street Journal pointed out that the reason U.S. companies look abroad for highly skilled talent is because American schools fail to produce a sufficient number of students equipped with advanced mathematical and engineering skills.

While the U.S. has poured massive amounts of funds into cutting-edge industries such as semiconductors and batteries to counter technological competition with China, the report suggests that educational competitiveness in fostering future tech talent is just as crucial as industrial policy.

South Korea's scores were lower than those of the participating Chinese regions, but higher than those of the United States.

In mathematics, South Korea scored 522, trailing the participating Chinese regions by 90 points but leading the U.S. by 59 points.

In science, South Korea also scored 526, which was lower than the 597 of the participating Chinese regions, but surpassed the U.S. score of 502.

The Wall Street Journal noted that the education issue cannot be resolved simply by pouring in more budget, pointing out that the fundamental challenge the U.S. must address in its tech competition with China lies inside the classroom.

Reported by Kim Minjeong | Video by Kim Na-on | Graphics by Lee Jeong-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News