On July 23, the US unveiled its “Winning the AI Race” plan, followed three days later by China’s “Global AI Governance Action Plan.” Both nations are racing to lead the AI revolution and shape the rules governing this transformative technology — with profound implications worldwide.
The US plan is broad and ambitious, focusing on boosting domestic AI innovation, building infrastructure, and leveraging international alliances to promote US standards and exports. China’s plan zeroes in on global governance, emphasizing state control and an alternative international order, while advocating multilateral cooperation tailored to its interests.
China treats AI as geopolitical infrastructure tied to sovereignty and state-led development, pushing its model through diplomatic and tech investments, especially among developing countries. The US promotes open innovation, market-driven growth, and partnerships with democracies, but struggles with internal staffing and resource cuts, complicating its global diplomatic efforts.
Is cooperation possible?
Despite fierce rivalry, both countries share a goal of broad AI access and safety. They have separately pledged to improve datasets and infrastructure, which could open limited opportunities for technical collaboration — though political tensions remain high.
China’s strategy aligns with its vision of AI as a tool for sustainable development and state sovereignty, appealing to many developing nations. The US’s competitive market-focused stance may appear less welcoming, risking skepticism from countries wary of dependency on foreign powers.
What’s next?
China’s growing network of AI alliances and governance proposals signal a shift toward global leadership using familiar multilateral platforms — some modeled after institutions the US once dominated. Meanwhile, the US’s assertive but under-resourced approach may hamper its influence in shaping AI’s future.
Ultimately, the global AI landscape is set for a fractured future, split between competing visions of control and openness, with developing nations caught in the middle.
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