From semiconductors to AI, what industry will the Biden Administration target next for its technology export restrictions on China?
Based on the opinions from several consulting firms, CNBC reported that the generative AI technology ChatGPT is based on might become the new battlefield in the war for tech supremacy between the US and China.
The US government has attempted to sever China's ties with key technologies like semiconductors, while China has sought to enhance its self-sufficiency and reduce its reliance on US technology. Right now, Washington DC's attention could be shifting to generative AI.
A report from Toronto-based consulting firm The Geopolitical Business pointed out that ever since former US president Donald Trump launched the trade war with China, technology has been a part of the ongoing conflict between the two nations. With AI viewed as a key technology by both countries, it could become a part of this conflict.
Advisory firm Albright Stonebridge's technology policy lead Paul Triolo stated that the Biden Administration is confirming what technologies will benefit the military modernization of China, as well as increase Chinese companies' ability to achieve breakthroughs in the field of generative AI.
In addition, the US government is also reviewing US investments overseas. Triolo stated that the upcoming executive order regarding investments overseas will restrict US investments in some AI-related technologies. This will be an important sign on the direction of US tech regulations in the last two years of the Biden Administration.
Even though the US wants to restrict China's access to key AI chips, China's Alibaba and Baidu have been designing their own chips. While US sanctions haven't had any impact on these chips so far, the government and tech companies will be watching this sector closely.
Article translated by Jack Wu
