US and China locked in AI supremacy race, meeting to focus on rivalry
Both nations see artificial intelligence as key to future global power, with differing approaches to its development and control.
The intensifying race for artificial intelligence (AI) supremacy between the United States and China is taking center stage as leaders from both nations meet, highlighting the technology's role in reshaping global power dynamics. President Donald Trump has been explicit about his ambitions, stating, "Whoever wins AI, WINS!" and identifying China as the primary rival in this technological pursuit.
China, while less vocal, appears to hold a similar perspective. "China very much sees it as a race, they very much think China should be the leading force in AI - they see AI as a power maximiser," said Rebecca Arcesati, from the Mercator Institute for China Studies. For Trump, achieving AI dominance appears to outweigh concerns about the technology's potential risks, which he has previously dismissed. China's foreign ministry, however, has called for global cooperation in AI governance, warning that narratives of confrontation hinder progress.
The State of the AI Race
The US and China are recognized as global leaders in AI, but determining who is ahead depends on the metrics used. American companies currently dominate in developing so-called frontier models, with leading systems originating from firms like Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI. Although a Chinese AI model briefly matched the top US model in February 2025, and as of March 2026, Anthropic's leading model held a slim advantage, researchers at Stanford University noted. Significant investment in leading AI companies fuels this US advantage, as these frontier labs require substantial resources for training new models. The booming stock market and projected profitability of AI companies underscore the technology's economic significance in the US.
Restrictions on US companies selling advanced microchips to Chinese firms also present a hurdle for China's cutting-edge AI development.
China's AI Strategy
Despite these challenges, new AI models emerge monthly from both countries, making the definition of "winning" the AI race ambiguous. While many companies strive for artificial general intelligence (AGI), China's AI industry has focused on releasing open-weight models – downloadable and adaptable like open-source software. This contrasts with the proprietary models favored by many US firms. Chinese open-weight models, such as Moonshot AI's Kimi K3, are rapidly gaining traction due to their performance and adaptability. Beijing's strategy appears geared towards widespread deployment across its economy, potentially yielding significant economic and geopolitical leverage.
Furthermore, China's access to affordable electricity is a notable advantage for energy-intensive AI development. In robotics, a key AI field, China has become the world's largest manufacturer, with over two million robots in operation. The nation also leads in humanoid robot production. Analysts note the resilience and innovation of Chinese AI developers despite chip shortages, though US officials allege the use of techniques like distillation to bridge the gap.
Differing Approaches to Safety
While competition is fierce, the US and China exhibit contrasting approaches to AI safety. Chinese researchers express greater concern about the misuse of AI and cyber warfare than existential risks. President Trump, conversely, believes existing US regulations are sufficient and that an "IQ" president is the only necessary safeguard, emphasizing the need to avoid stifling innovation.
Washington's strategy prioritizes innovation and deregulation, aiming to maintain American leadership. Beijing, however, has adopted a more cautious, centrally coordinated approach, implementing guidelines on data usage and algorithms to address underlying concerns and ensure AI remains under human control. These guidelines, while not legally binding, establish expectations for developers.
Prospects for Cooperation
Despite calls for international collaboration, the path forward for addressing AI's potential dangers remains unclear. Past cooperation between the US and China on issues like nuclear weapons was based on a shared understanding of threats, a condition not currently met with AI, as Washington focuses on capability control and Beijing on domestic stability. Trump has dismissed proposals for an industry-wide slowdown, fearing it would benefit Chinese developers.
Ahead of the leaders' summit, discussions between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng included the establishment of a notification mechanism for significant AI incidents. While tensions persist, the inclusion of AI on the agenda is seen as a positive step, though the perpetuation of an "unhealthy race narrative" could escalate the rivalry.