China’s AI Industry Urged to Boost Domestic Sector for Global Competitive Edge
Industry leaders have emphasized the need for China’s artificial intelligence (AI) firms to prioritize the development of their own hardware and software to bridge the gap with US market leaders. During a panel discussion at the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan province, experts highlighted the consensus within China that there is still ground to cover, particularly in generative AI.
Liu Cong, the vice president of iFlytek, a prominent Chinese AI firm, acknowledged the existing gap in generative AI capabilities and stressed the importance of independently owned and controlled hardware and software. One key focus area mentioned was the development of large language models (LLMs), essential for advanced AI functionalities such as those seen in chatbots like ChatGPT.
The export restrictions on semiconductor chips, crucial for processing LLMs, present a significant challenge to China’s AI development efforts. With the US imposing bans on chip sales to China, Chinese firms are urged to not only drive advancements in LLMs but also focus on enhancing hardware and software capabilities internally.
According to Zeng Yi, a professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the strategic move towards self-reliance in hardware infrastructure is critical, particularly amidst global trends of technological decoupling. He emphasized the need for China to diversify its focus beyond LLM breakthroughs and prioritize advancements in new hardware and software technologies.
In the competitive landscape of AI, where the US and China are vying for dominance, China has made notable strides in areas like facial recognition and autonomous driving. However, the introduction of advanced AI models like ChatGPT and text-to-video generator Sora by US-based OpenAI has widened the gap, emphasizing the importance of computing power and AI training capabilities.
While China has demonstrated strength in AI application, experts stress the need to bolster core and foundational AI technologies for long-term competitiveness. The sentiment echoed by industry leaders is that China must overcome risk aversion, invest in innovation, and challenge conventional norms to propel its AI sector forward.
It remains imperative for China’s AI industry to focus on enhancing domestic capabilities across hardware, software, and AI models to close the gap with global leaders and secure a stronger foothold in the fiercely competitive AI landscape.
