U.S. and China advance AI differently—U.S. on foundational models, China on applications—yet both agree on need for global cooperation.

The U.S. and China are advancing AI through different but complementary strategies, with the U.S. focusing on foundational models and existential risks, while China excels in practical applications like manufacturing and energy. Despite political tensions, experts emphasize shared interests in mitigating global AI risks and advocate for collaboration across computing, data, models, and applications. China’s innovation hubs, especially Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou, rank first globally, outpacing Silicon Valley. Officials stress that technical concerns should not overshadow cooperation, urging commercial, not political, decisions to guide progress.