Chinese President Xi Jinping has told Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates that US companies are welcome to bring their artificial intelligence (AI) technology to China. During their meeting in Beijing, the two discussed the global AI boom and Microsoft’s business development in China. While details on their conversation’s specifics have not been publicly disclosed, Xi has previously emphasized China’s interest in using AI to boost economic development. However, he has also warned of its risks, and the country currently weighs a new law on technology as well as rules for generative AI.
Xi’s meeting with Gates comes at a time when US-China relations are at a fever pitch lowest point in decades, with AI being a key flashpoint. The United States has enacted a series of export controls aimed at restricting the development of AI in China, while China has angered the foreign business community with crackdowns.
Microsoft has been present in China for over 30 years and has a large research center there. Its Bing portal is the only foreign search engine accessible from China’s so-called Great Firewall, although its search results on sensitive topics are censored. The US tech giant has run into trouble in China in recent years as the country tightened its grip on the internet sector, retiring LinkedIn China in 2021.
By welcoming US AI technology, Xi’s statement offers hope for US tech companies in China, but it remains to be seen whether this will lead to any substantive changes in US-China relations. For now, the development of AI remains a highly contentious issue between the two countries, and experts believe that AI is likely to remain a critical point of tension in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What did Chinese President Xi Jinping discuss with Bill Gates during their meeting in Beijing?
They discussed the global AI boom and Microsoft's business development in China.
Is China open to utilizing American AI technology?
Yes, President Xi Jinping has told Bill Gates that US companies are welcome to bring their AI technology to China.
What has President Xi Jinping previously emphasized about China's interest in AI?
He has emphasized that China is interested in using AI to boost economic development.
Have there been any warnings about the risks of AI in China?
Yes, President Xi Jinping has also warned of the risks of AI.
What new law is China currently weighing related to technology?
China is currently weighing a new law on technology as well as rules for generative AI.
What are some challenges Microsoft has faced in China?
Microsoft has faced challenges in China as the country has tightened its grip on the internet sector, retiring LinkedIn China in 2021.
Is the development of AI a contentious issue between the US and China?
Yes, the development of AI is a highly contentious issue between the US and China.
Will President Xi Jinping's statement on welcoming US AI technology lead to any substantive changes in US-China relations?
It remains to be seen whether this will lead to any substantive changes in US-China relations.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.