Enthusiasm and Regulation: China is a Step Ahead in AI Race, Not Following the U.S. Path

As global powers race to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) with the U.S. in the lead, China is following a different path. Beijing has acknowledged the enthusiasm surrounding this technological leap and prefers to walk the path of regulation. This is a different path but will lead China’s AI development in the right direction. 

Beijing aims to make China the world’s premier artificial intelligence innovation center by 2030. Chinese companies have already utilized AI in autonomous vehicles and found success. But there is a noted gap between China’s basic algorithms and the world’s top level. Experts say China’s AI industry is based on the internet industry and is characterized with huge market data and commercial application scenarios. 

A report highlighted that the U.S leads the industrial development of artificial intelligence in terms of AI algorithms and computing and is suppressing China through restrictions on semiconductor exports But this hasn’t dampened Beijing and Chinese companies. Kendra Schaefer, head of tech policy research at Trivium China, told BBC that China can easily catch up with the United States as AI solutions take years to be perfected. She believes Chinese internet companies are arguably more advanced than U.S. internet companies, depending on how one is measuring advancement. 

Schaefer said China’s ability to manufacture high-end equipment and components is an estimated 10 to 15 years behind global leaders. Pascale Fung, director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said the U.S is the frontrunner in the AI race because it has the Silicon Valley.  But China has the consumer base, and a thriving internet sector. 

As the AI race gains momentum, China is looking at effective regulation and is expected to have a draft ready for review soon.