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AI Race: China Builds Infrastructure, US Pursues Superintelligence
9 May
Summary
- China integrates AI into daily life, from school photos to urban management.
- US focuses on achieving AI superintelligence, often disregarding regulation.
- China exports AI governance alongside technology to emerging markets.

The United States and China are engaged in an artificial intelligence race, yet their approaches diverge significantly. The US is aggressively pursuing superintelligence, encouraging rapid development with less emphasis on regulation. In contrast, China's strategy, termed "AI+", focuses on integrating AI as essential infrastructure within society.
This Chinese model makes AI a practical tool for daily life, visible in services like "smile to pay" and invisible in systems managing urban traffic and environmental protection. Unlike in the US, AI has faced less public backlash in China, contributing to greater optimism about its potential.
China aims to leverage AI to address domestic challenges, such as improving education and healthcare in rural areas and supporting its aging population. Beyond domestic benefits, this AI-as-infrastructure strategy is also about exporting Chinese governance and influence globally.
As emerging markets seek solutions for infrastructure and services, China is poised to export its integrated AI systems, which manage everything from energy to transportation. This export of AI models also signifies the diffusion of Chinese governance principles worldwide.