In response to recent U.S. restrictions on artificial intelligence (AI) exports, China has vowed to take decisive measures to protect its national interests and the legitimate rights of its enterprises. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed the issue at a regular press conference on Tuesday, emphasizing China's firm opposition to the new U.S. policies.
The U.S. government recently announced new rules limiting the sale of advanced AI technology to China. These restrictions tighten export controls on AI chips and model parameters, while extending extraterritorial jurisdiction. According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, they create obstacles and interfere with third parties engaged in normal trade with China.
"The United States has generalized the concept of national security, politicized and weaponized economic and technological issues, and misused export controls to maliciously suppress China," Guo stated. He highlighted that such actions severely undermine market rules and the international economic and trade order, significantly affecting the stability of global industrial and supply chains. These policies, he noted, harm the interests of business communities in both China and the United States, as well as other countries.
"AI is a shared asset of all humanity and should not be a game for wealthy nations and individuals, nor should it be used to create new development gaps," Guo said, criticizing the U.S. for attempting to maintain its hegemony by introducing hierarchies in the field of artificial intelligence. He argued that these moves effectively deprive developing countries, including China, of their rights to technological progress and development.
Guo warned that the U.S. AI policy serves as a "stumbling block" that contradicts the common interests of nations promoting the responsible development of AI. He cautioned against the potential for a new technological Cold War, initiated by the United States. Guo also noted that many U.S. technology companies and industry associations have explicitly opposed the Biden administration's measures.
"China is an active advocate and practitioner of global governance in AI," Guo emphasized. He mentioned that China has proposed the Global AI Governance Initiative, promoted the adoption of a resolution on AI capacity building by the United Nations General Assembly, and established a group of friends for international cooperation on AI capacity building.
He underscored that China will continue collaborating with all parties to create an open, inclusive, universally beneficial, and non-discriminatory environment for AI development, ensuring its benefits reach all countries.
