New report warns of growing national security threat to U.S. as China builds AI: ‘Significant and concerning’

A recent report released by a pro-tech advocacy group has raised concerns about the growing threat posed by China’s artificial intelligence technology. The American Edge Project report highlights China’s open-source approach to AI development, warning that it could jeopardize the national and economic security of the United States.

According to the report, China is rapidly advancing its open-source ecosystem as an alternative to American technology. The country is using this approach as a Trojan horse to implant its CCP values into global infrastructure. Chinese-developed open-source AI tools are already outperforming Western models on key benchmarks at significantly lower costs, accelerating global adoption. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Digital Silk Road, China is exporting its technology worldwide, fostering increased global dependence and undermining democratic norms.

The report also points out that Chinese AI models are being used to censor historical events, deny or minimize human rights abuses, and filter criticism of Chinese political leaders. China is executing a $1.4 trillion plan to dominate global technology by 2030, with open-source systems playing a crucial role in its AI strategy. By making its AI technology freely accessible, Beijing aims to embed its systems and standards in the world’s financial, manufacturing, and communications backbone.

While Western companies focus on paid, proprietary AI models, China is aggressively promoting free and low-cost alternatives to drive rapid global adoption. The report warns that China’s aggressive push of AI systems into global markets is outpacing efforts by American and European governments to regulate AI. This strategy mirrors China’s successful approach with 5G technology, where Huawei gained dominant market share through aggressive pricing and rapid deployment.

The report emphasizes the need for the United States to preserve its AI leadership and avoid unilateral restrictions on exporting and accessing U.S. AI systems. Failure to do so could result in authoritarian Chinese systems shaping the future of AI technology. The report concludes that the implications of Chinese leadership in global AI development are profound and could lead to brazen non-compliance with international agreements on the technology.

In conclusion, it is essential for Washington policymakers to take action to ensure that the U.S. remains a leader in AI development. The report urges seizing the opportunity to secure lasting American AI leadership and prevent Chinese AI from going global. Failure to do so could have significant consequences for the U.S. and humanity as a whole.