The United States and China are engaged in a zero-sum geopolitical battle for dominance in artificial intelligence, with both nations pursuing divergent strategies.
A New Geopolitical Battleground
The race for dominance in artificial intelligence (AI) is a new field of geopolitical rivalry between the world’s two largest economies, the United States and China. In an optimistic scenario, AI could become a source of advantage in the economy, science, and on the military front.
Observing the actions of the major powers, it can be concluded that this is a zero-sum game in which the success of one participant means the failure of the other. That is why the US so strongly guards its secrets related to advanced computer processors. On the other hand, China, aware of its limitations, is developing its strengths in other areas.
Divergent Paths to AI Dominance
Both countries have chosen different models for AI development. The United States has adopted an approach based on building massive computational power. China has chosen—or has been forced to—on maximizing the application of AI in the real economy.
Even if Chinese models are not as advanced as American ones, as a world industrial power, they have a vast spectrum of possible applications. AI has already been used in advanced manufacturing processes, humanoids, autonomous vehicles, and logistics.