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The new space race between China and the United States is now in the field of AI. Explore how competition for open source AI and advanced technologies is impacting the global future
Chinese tech giants are rolling out artificial intelligence (AI) systems that increasingly rival those in the United States, and they are reaching the general public. This is the new battle between powers, similar to the space race of the 20th century. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, calls for a bloc of democratic nations to take on China. Why is it important? China is rapidly catching up to the US in AI development, which could have major implications for technological innovation, national economies, productivity and military power in the coming years.
The Context of the new technological race
For years, the United States has led the field of AI, with companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft at the forefront. Recently, some Chinese companies have announced technologies that directly compete with American ones. Among the most notable advancements, Kuaishou launched Kling, an AI video generator comparable to OpenAI's Sora but now publicly available. Meanwhile, Sora is still on standby. 01.AI presented a chatbot that achieved scores similar to the best American technologies in synthetic tests, and Alibaba has one of the best open source AI technologies, according to global rankings.
The Chinese strategy for AI involves open source. Many of their companies openly share their code so that others can use it and even improve it. This stance contrasts with the culture of American companies, which are more cautious and zealous, concerned about the potential risks of exposing their information. This open source and cooperative approach could accelerate China's progress in AI.
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The United States continues to restrict the export of advanced chips to China, which still depends in part on this basic American technology. However, the Chinese plan is to achieve self-sufficiency. While the U.S. still leads in AI research, China's open source strategy and willingness to release technologies to the public could shift the balance of power in the coming years, especially as China begins to reclaim the global role it believes in. have conquered.
The Chinese strategy: Open source and AI cooperation
The Chinese strategy to dominate the field of AI is heavily based on the concept of open source. Chinese companies like Alibaba and Baidu are at the forefront of this approach, allowing researchers and developers around the world to access and improve their technologies. This movement not only fosters innovation, but also creates a collaborative ecosystem that can overcome the barriers imposed by US restrictions.
Alibaba, for example, has invested significantly in its open source platform, allowing developers to use and improve its AI tools. This approach is not just a question of technology, but also a geopolitical strategy. By sharing its innovations, China not only accelerates its own progress, but also builds a global network of collaborators who can help overcome the technological challenges posed by Western restrictions.
Another notable example is Baidu, which launched PaddlePaddle, an open-source deep learning platform that is gaining popularity among developers. This open approach contrasts sharply with the caution of American companies, which tend to protect their AI innovations through patents and trade secrets.
Future challenges and opportunities
Despite rapid advances, China faces significant challenges. U.S. restrictions on the export of advanced chips and other critical technologies still pose an obstacle. However, China has demonstrated a relentless determination to achieve technological self-sufficiency. Massive investments in research and development, coupled with favorable government policy, are paving the way for China to become a dominant AI power.
Furthermore, growing tension between the US and China over AI technology is driving a new era of global rivalry. As the US continues to invest in its AI capabilities, China is quickly closing the gap. This competition can lead to significant advances in AI, but it also increases the security and privacy risks associated with these technologies.
In terms of opportunities, China's open source approach could enable rapid adoption and innovation in AI across the world. International collaboration, driven by the availability of open source technologies, can lead to more advanced and affordable solutions. This, in turn, could benefit not only China but also other developing nations seeking to improve their technological capabilities.
The new technological race between China and the US in AI is reminiscent of the 20th century space race. With rapid advancements and an open source strategy, China is closing the gap with the US. While significant challenges remain, China's determination to achieve self-reliance and its cooperative approach could shift the balance of power in the field of AI in the coming years. As this rivalry intensifies, the world can expect significant advances in AI that will have profound implications for technological innovation, national economies, and global military power.
