China Far Behind in AI Race, Says Bessent
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During a White House briefing, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the United States holds a commanding lead in artificial intelligence while China continues to trail significantly. He described America as an AI superpower and said policymakers are focused on preserving that advantage in a competition he called one of the most important of the century.
Bessent pointed to strong cooperation between the federal government and major AI developers. He explained that officials are working with leading labs to craft policies that deliver maximum computational capacity while protecting national security and critical infrastructure. Rather than imposing strict new limits, the administration aims to strike a precise balance between innovation and safety.
The comments underscore how central AI has become to U.S.-China strategic competition. American officials view leadership in the technology as vital for economic growth, military strength, and future productivity. Both nations are investing heavily in semiconductors and advanced computing, yet Bessent maintained that the United States remains well ahead.
His remarks come as governments around the world search for regulatory approaches that keep domestic companies competitive while managing the risks posed by increasingly powerful AI systems.
