China has issued a stern warning to the United States (US) following a new ban on the export of artificial intelligence (AI) chips, describing the move as a deliberate move to stifle the country's technological progress.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stressed that AI is a shared asset of humanity and should not be monopolized as a "playground" for the wealthy.
He accused the US of politicizing the technology and abusing export restrictions to maintain global hegemony, thus threatening the stability of world trade.
Guo said that the move would not only damage the global supply chain, but also potentially trigger a new Cold War in the AI sector.
The latest US sanctions have targeted AI chips and model parameters, and even expanded controls on third parties trading with China.
This has raised serious concerns among technology companies, including some US firms themselves who oppose the Biden administration's policies.
China, which has played an active role in global AI governance, has insisted that it will continue to advocate for inclusive and fair AI development.
Guo noted that Beijing has launched the Global AI Governance Initiative and supports the United Nations' efforts in strengthening international cooperation on the technology.
