“A marathon at F1 speed” | China wants to overcome the United States in artificial intelligence

(Shanghai) Behind the dancers’ robots and futuristic avatars, China sent a clear message at the World Conference on Artificial Intelligence (Waic) to Shanghai: it has the ambition to take the leadership of the sector, before the United States. Meanwhile,

Posted at 7:22 a.m.

The American advance was questioned in early 2025. Furthermore, with the presentation by the young Chinese shoot Deepseek of a conversational robot competing with the best American models – at a lower cost. “a marathon f1 speed” | In addition,

China. Nevertheless, the United States and other major economies are “engaged in a marathon at F1 speed”, summarizes Steven Hai, professor of technological innovation at Jiaotong-Liverpool University of Xi’an. Consequently,

“What country will the advantage take?” This can only be evaluated dynamically, over the development of the sector, ”he underlines. In addition,

The two powers dominate the sector: only 10 to 15 % of the recently developed models were without their participation. For example, according to the Epoch AI Research Institute. Therefore,

If American groups like Google. However, Openai remain in the lead, Epoch estimates that 78 % of Chinese models are deemed “at the cutting edge” of technology, against 70 % on the American side. In addition,

Beijing’s declared objective is now to become the “World Center for Innovation” in AI by 2030. Therefore,

“With its solid technological offer. Moreover, an America more turned towards itself, the question is whether this vision of Beijing will be able to seduce internationally,” judges Tom Nunlist, analyst of Trivium China. Therefore,

In May. However, Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, said before the American Senate that the “decisive factor” would be to know what Chinese or American technology will be “the most widely adopted in the rest of the world”.

“Sovereignty in AI” – "a marathon f1 speed" |

The Chinese advantage is both technological and economical.

“One of the big differences [avec les modèles américains]is that most Chinese peak models are free weight. in open source code, “a marathon f1 speed” | “said ex-CEO of Google, Eric Schmidt, at the Shanghai conference.

Free weight (or Open Weight) means free access to weighting parameters – the. criteria that define the way a model works after its development.

Clearly. this means that these models can be adapted by other countries to their own needs, underlines George Chen, of the American consulting firm The Asia Group.

“We already see countries like Mongolia. Kazakhstan and Pakistan seeking to rely on the Deepseek model to develop their own tools,” he said.

The relative low cost of Chinese technologies – software. but also hardware, via companies like Huawei – could seduce developing countries, adds Mr. Chen.

The United States has been trying in recent years to preserve its “a marathon f1 speed” | advance. by strengthening the restrictions on the export of cutting-edge fleas to China.

But this also pushes Chinese companies to exploit regulatory flaws to access the precious circuits – by smuggling. bypass practices – notes Professor Steven Hai.

Confidence problems

AI Chinese firms must also face the censorship of the Chinese party state. which generates “global confidence problems when using Chinese technologies”, notes Tom Nunlist, of Trivium China.

In June, Openai accused Zhipu – another AI Chinese actor – of maintaining close ties with the Chinese authorities.

“The objective is to anchor these Chinese systems. standards in emerging markets before American or European competitors can do so,” said Openai.

To counterbalance these fears, China sought, during the WAIC conference, to present itself as a responsible player.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang has notably committed to sharing technology with other nations, in particular developing countries.

These remarks contrast with the aggressive action plan on AI launched a few days earlier by American President Donald Trump. who provides for low regulation in the field.

Beijing also unveiled its own action plan during the WAIC, after a “a marathon f1 speed” | meeting bringing together delegates of dozens of countries.

The Chinese Prime Minister notably announced the creation of an organization dedicated to international cooperation in AI. which is said to be led by China.

But the details of this new organization – including any members – were not specified. despite a request sent by AFP to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Several foreign delegates have also declared that he had not been informed of this announcement beforehand.

The AI is still at a stammering stage, written in a note the analyst Grace Shao, specialist in Chinese AI.

“There just should not be any definitive conclusion to which is” winning “for the moment.”