The global balance of power is increasingly being shaped by advancements in technology, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). The competition between the United States and China to dominate this field has profound implications. This battle is not just about innovation but also about geopolitical influence and control over the future of AI.
President Xi Jinping views technology as crucial to revitalizing China's economy. Even if China does not surpass the US in AI development, holding a strong second place could still have significant geopolitical ramifications.
China plans to use AI to reinforce its power, employing it for political surveillance and monitoring dissent. AI is also seen as a tool to drive advancements in industrial engineering, biotechnology, and other productive fields. Externally, China envisions exporting its tightly controlled, closed-source AI systems to like-minded regimes worldwide, thereby extending its influence.
The effectiveness of AI systems, such as ChatGPT, depends on the breadth and quality of the data they consume. In China, where information is heavily censored, ensuring AI models produce desired outputs while avoiding uncomfortable truths presents a significant challenge. This complexity is compounded by the inherent unpredictability of AI outputs, which can pose an existential threat to Beijing’s control over information.
To manage AI development, China has established a regulatory system that requires AI models to be registered and approved by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). This system aims to balance the development of AI with the government’s need to maintain control over information dissemination. AI models intended for public use must be vetted to ensure they align with state objectives.
Despite stringent regulations, innovation continues in China's AI sector. Companies like Baidu, Alibaba, and ByteDance are developing their AI models, with varying degrees of success and user adoption. However, the industry's nascent stage means these companies are still refining their models, with a significant emphasis on making AI commercially viable.
The tech battle between the US and China over AI is not merely a race to develop superior technology; it is a contest over the future of information control and geopolitical influence. As the US and its allies navigate this complex landscape, understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by China's AI strategy will be crucial in ensuring a balanced and secure global technological future.