China's clean energy leadership is expanding into green hydrogen technologies, with Chinese companies surpassing Japan in holding the most low-carbon hydrogen patents globally. Astamuse's analysis of 180,000 patents from 2013 to 2022 revealed China's dominance in key areas like production, storage, and transport of green hydrogen. This shift in patent leadership comes as China accelerates its hydrogen sector growth, exceeding its 2025 production targets. The country's aggressive investments have significantly reduced equipment costs, making China the world's largest hydrogen market. Japanese automaker Toyota warns that without increased investments from other nations, China may soon control the global hydrogen supply chain, mirroring its success in the electric vehicle market. Japan is responding by offering subsidies, collaborating with the U.S. and South Korea, and exploring protective measures against Chinese components in hydrogen projects. The competition between China and Japan in the green hydrogen sector highlights the race for global leadership in clean energy and the strategic importance of hydrogen technologies for future energy transitions.