US Agencies Allege Chinese AI Misconduct, Beijing Calls for Collaboration

At a regular press briefing on September 9, a French Press Agency correspondent raised questions regarding a joint statement from three US agencies. The statement accused six Chinese artificial intelligence companies of improperly extracting proprietary knowledge from US AI models through unauthorized means, suggesting such actions could undermine American strategic advantages in AI.

China's Stance: Self-Reliance and Open Cooperation

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning, while noting she hadn't reviewed the specific report, clarified China's fundamental position. She emphasized that China's achievements in artificial intelligence are primarily the result of high-level self-reliance in science and technology. This progress, she stated, is consistently aligned with a philosophy of open cooperation, shared consultation, and mutual benefit, rather than dependence on external technology transfers.

“The development of AI in China serves the well-being of all humanity,” Mao stated. “We have always maintained that the international community should work together to steer AI technology toward open, inclusive, and beneficial outcomes for all.”

Urging Practical Cooperation Over Baseless Allegations

Addressing the US claims, Mao Ning steered the discussion toward a more constructive path. She explicitly urged the United States to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two countries' leaders and to cease making unfounded accusations and smear campaigns against China.

“As major players in the field of artificial intelligence,” Mao added, “what China and the US should prioritize is enhancing dialogue and cooperation. Working together to tackle the global challenges posed by technological advancement is far more productive than letting groundless suspicion hinder progress.”

The Broader Industry Context

The incident highlights the growing tensions in the global AI race, where issues of ethics and intellectual property are increasingly prominent. It underscores the ongoing challenges in building trust and cooperative frameworks between nations in cutting-edge technology sectors. Industry observers suggest that establishing transparent rules for international technology exchange and mutual trust mechanisms would foster a healthier innovation ecosystem more effectively than reciprocal accusations.

Chinese tech firms consistently emphasize research and innovation within compliant frameworks. This diplomatic response reiterates China's commitment to fostering a constructive international environment for technological cooperation while advancing its domestic capabilities.