According to reports on the Ministry of Commerce website on July 27, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce answered questions from reporters regarding the United States' claim that it intends to investigate Chinese artificial intelligence companies and impose sanctions.
Recently, some senior American officials have publicly stated that they will investigate Chinese artificial intelligence companies for allegedly “distilling” US cutting-edge models, and may sanction Chinese companies on the grounds of “stealing US intellectual property rights.” What is China's comment on this?
Answer: We are aware of the relevant circumstances. China has always opposed the US politicizing and instrumentalizing science, technology, and economic issues, as well as using various unfounded reasons to stigmatize Chinese companies and impose sanctions on them. The US ignores facts such as the close timing of the release of artificial intelligence models from Chinese companies and their advanced models compared to those from the US, and the fact that some Chinese models already have leading capabilities. The US labels Chinese companies as relying on “distillation” and “stealing US intellectual property rights,” and even threatens to impose pressure and sanctions. These actions lack factual basis and legal support. They represent a double standard in practice and are typical examples of artificial intelligence hegemony.
Innovation is not the exclusive domain of either side. Chinese AI companies have long been deeply involved in basic research, adhering to the principle of self-reliance and openness while focusing on scientific and technological development. They promote the rapid advancement of AI technology and have achieved remarkable success in many fields, including the capabilities of AI models. It is understood that many American AI companies have utilized Chinese models in their research and training efforts. Notably, many American companies publicly oppose any threats of sanctions against Chinese AI companies. Nearly 200 American startups are urging the U.S. government not to restrict access to Chinese open-source models, arguing that this would weaken the competitiveness of American companies. Some large American multinational corporations state that model distillation is a widely used technology in the industry, and American companies should be allowed to use Chinese open-source AI models.
The Chinese side urges the US to listen to the objective and rational voices of the industries in both China and the US, to correct hegemonic thinking, and to stop the smear campaigns against Chinese enterprises and threats of sanctions. In the face of any actions that substantially harm the interests of China, the Chinese side will take all necessary measures to firmly protect its legitimate rights and interests. It is hoped that the US will earnestly implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, move towards a better relationship with China, strengthen dialogue and communication on artificial intelligence, and jointly promote artificial intelligence in a positive and virtuous direction. By promoting and improving governance related to artificial intelligence, both countries and the world can benefit.
