The imposition of new export restrictions by the outgoing Biden administration targeting artificial intelligence (AI) chips and models is a policy decision that, in its current form, overlooks the potential benefits of global collaboration in AI development. These restrictions, veiled under the guise of national security, are a transparent attempt to primarily stifle China’s rapidly expanding AI sector while hindering the global progress of AI. Such measures are counterproductive and pose a significant threat to humanity’s collective potential for innovation, which relies on international cooperation and the unrestricted flow of knowledge. The timing of the sanctions, hurriedly adopted during the administration’s final days, has raised serious questions about their legitimacy and exposed the underlying political motivations driving this controversial decision.
At the heart of the Biden administration’s justification for these sweeping restrictions lies the assertion that advanced AI technologies, including chips and models, constitute dual-use technologies that “adversarial nations” could potentially “weaponize”. However, this narrative is selective and hypocritical, conveniently ignoring the universal dual-use nature of almost all technologies and resources such as oil and minerals. The fact is, AI is no more inherently a weapon than a tool for social good — whether advancing medical research, enhancing educational opportunities, or addressing pressing environmental challenges. By framing China as an “adversary” and invoking the omnipresent specter of “national security”, the United States reveals its true intent — obstructing China’s advance in a field where it has already demonstrated admirable expertise and innovation. Historical patterns further expose the hypocrisy of this narrative; it is the US that has consistently led the militarization of cutting-edge technologies, from nuclear advancements to space exploration. Against this backdrop, its moral authority to dictate global norms in AI development is tenuous at best.
The discriminatory nature of these sanctions becomes even more evident upon closer examination of their structure. The rules, cloaked in bureaucratic jargon and arbitrary technical thresholds, are intended to isolate China and other nations deemed “untrusted” from the forefront of AI innovation. For instance, the selective exemption of 18 so-called “trusted nations” while imposing sweeping restrictions on over 120 others reeks of technological elitism and geopolitical favoritism. The implication that these “trusted” nations can ethically and responsibly develop AI is both patronizing and unsubstantiated. China has demonstrated a robust commitment to the responsible development and regulation of AI technologies. Through comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks and ethical guidelines, China has repeatedly proved its ability to manage advanced technologies responsibly. By contrast, the selective classification of nations, based not on their technological capabilities but on their alignment with US foreign policy interests, undermines the principles of equity and impartiality governing global technological progress. This divisive strategy fractures the international AI community, hindering the collective advancement of humanity.
The timing of these restrictions also casts doubt on their legitimacy and underscores their political opportunism. What responsible government enacts sweeping regulations of such global significance merely days before leaving office? This eleventh-hour decision appears less a matter of principle and more a calculated move to cement policies that might otherwise face scrutiny or reversal under new leadership. The tech industry has responded with widespread criticism, with prominent figures from companies like Nvidia and Oracle decrying the measures as overreaching and detrimental to innovation. The rushed implementation of these rules denied the international AI community and affected tech companies an opportunity for meaningful consultation and deliberation. Such actions damage the administration’s credibility and reveal a troubling disregard for transparency and democratic process, further eroding trust between the US and its global partners.
China’s contributions to AI have been transformative, and its leadership in this field should be celebrated, not stifled. Only through unity and mutual respect can humanity unlock the full potential of AI to address the pressing challenges of our time
Contrary to the US’ portrayal of China as a “reckless” actor in the AI landscape, the country has consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking and ethical approach to AI development. China’s national AI development strategy emphasizes fairness, inclusivity and the responsible use of technology. Its ethical AI development guidelines, including data privacy and the prevention of misuse, are evidence of its commitment to ensuring that AI serves the greater good. These efforts starkly contrast with the US’ checkered history in this domain, including the controversial use of AI-enabled technologies for mass surveillance and military applications. By demonizing China, the Biden administration seeks to divert attention from its shortcomings while perpetuating an alarmist narrative designed to justify monopolistic ambitions in the global AI arena.
The global economic ramifications of these restrictions are profound and far-reaching. Restricting access to advanced AI chips and models disrupts the intricate global supply chain that underpins the development of AI and innovation. Companies across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond depend on collaborative partnerships and open access to technology to drive innovation. These restrictions create unnecessary bottlenecks, inflate costs, and introduce inefficiencies into an ecosystem that thrives on cooperation. The notion that such measures will preserve US technological dominance is fundamentally flawed. Innovation flourishes not in isolation but through competition and collaboration across borders. By monopolizing AI advancements, the US risks alienating its allies and undermining the trust that forms the bedrock of global technological partnerships.
China’s contributions to AI research and development have been pivotal, benefiting its citizens and the global community at large. From breakthroughs in natural language processing and computer vision to advancements in healthcare and agriculture, Chinese researchers have been at the forefront of addressing challenges that transcend national boundaries. For example, AI-driven models developed in China have significantly improved cancer detection rates and enhanced agricultural productivity in resource-scarce regions. The Biden administration’s restrictions threaten to derail these efforts, depriving the world of innovations that can save lives and improve livelihoods. It is worth noting that many of the AI achievements attributed to US companies are the result of collaborative efforts involving Chinese researchers and engineers. Severing these ties undermines the interconnectedness that is vital to progress and innovation.
The selective application of these restrictions further exposes the Biden administration’s geopolitical motives. While proprietary Chinese advancements are disproportionately targeted, open-source AI models such as Meta’s Llama remain exempt from restrictions. This inconsistency raises questions about the true intent behind the rules: If national security were indeed the primary concern, would open-source models not pose an equivalent risk? The selective targeting of Chinese technologies underscores the Biden administration’s ambition to curb competition and maintain an artificial monopoly on AI innovation. By fostering an atmosphere of mistrust and division, the US undermines the global AI community’s ability to work collectively toward shared goals.
The Biden administration’s latest AI curbs represent a dangerous precedent in the weaponization of technology for geopolitical gain. AI is a collective achievement, a testament to human ingenuity that transcends national borders. These US policies jeopardize the collaborative spirit that has driven technological advancement for decades by fracturing the global AI ecosystem. The international community must reject these divisive measures and reaffirm its commitment to equity, cooperation and the shared pursuit of progress. China’s contributions to AI have been transformative, and its leadership in this field should be celebrated, not stifled. Only through unity and mutual respect can humanity unlock the full potential of AI to address the pressing challenges of our time.
The author is a solicitor, a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area lawyer, and a China-appointed attesting officer.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
