Фото: президент США Дональд Трамп и глава КНР Си Цзиньпин (Getty Images)
AI is becoming the subject of much diplomacy
According to According to Reuters, the US and China are considering launching a formal dialog on artificial intelligence. Sources link the initiative to preparations for possible talks between Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
This is not just about technology consultations. In fact, the world’s largest economies are trying to define the rules of competition in an area that is already affecting industry, financial markets, the defense sector, cybersecurity and global supply chains.
Over the past two years, AI has definitively moved beyond a narrow technology industry. Advances in generative models and computing infrastructure have turned control over AI systems into a matter of industrial leadership and economic sovereignty.
At the same time, the US has strengthened export restrictions on high-performance AI chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China. Washington explains this on national security grounds, while Beijing views the restrictions as an attempt to curb the country’s technological development.
Competition is moving into the regulatory phase
So far, the US-China relations in the technological sphere have been built mainly around sanctions, tariffs and export restrictions, the publication notes. However, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence creates new risks that require at least a minimum level of coordination.
We are talking about several areas:
– The use of AI in military systems;
– controlling computing power;
– security of large language models;
– data protection;
– limiting technological espionage;
– standards for the development of AI systems.
In essence, the parties are gradually approaching a model of “managed competition,” where rivalry is preserved, but there are attempts to avoid uncontrolled technological escalation.
As U.S. analysts note, the lack of even basic communication channels between the two largest AI powers increases the risk of conflicts over cybersecurity, autonomous systems and control of digital infrastructure.
Semiconductors remain key
The semiconductor market remains a key element of the standoff. Artificial intelligence requires huge computing resources, which means access to advanced GPUs, AI gas pedals and high-end components.
The U.S. continues to restrict exports of NVIDIA’s advanced solutions and chip manufacturing equipment in an attempt to slow down China’s AI industry. In response, Beijing is dramatically increasing investment in localizing the semiconductor supply chain – from manufacturing silicon wafers to developing its own AI chips.
According to industry experts, the US-China technological rivalry is already beginning to change the global semiconductor market, forcing companies to restructure their production and logistics chains.
In this context, the potential launch of an AI-dialogue between the US and China shows that artificial intelligence is becoming a separate area of international politics – on a par with trade, energy and security.
Much for business will depend on the outcome of these negotiations – access to computing power, regulation of AI models, investment in infrastructure, etc.
Experts do not expect a quick reduction in tensions between Washington and Beijing. However, the very readiness of the parties to discuss AI separately from trade conflicts shows that world powers are beginning to perceive artificial intelligence as a critical element of the future economic architecture.
