On June 22, 2026, at the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, the head of Anthropic called for the U.S. to restrict China’s artificial intelligence capabilities. The appeal was made to address concerns about rapid AI development. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed disapproval, urging collaboration instead of confrontation.
Response to Anthropic’s Concerns
Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, highlighted potential risks if China leads in AI. He suggested maintaining restrictions on AI chips and equipment sales to China. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of global cooperation in AI governance, rejecting competitive approaches.
U.S. and China’s Positions
President Donald Trump downplayed intervention calls, asserting the U.S. leads China in AI. He stated, “whoever wins AI, wins.” Amodei cautioned about AI agents possibly taking over the internet, urging collaboration with China due to its advanced AI capabilities.
Trump and Xi’s Upcoming Meeting
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to discuss AI governance in September. Chinese AI models are economically competitive, with capabilities matching U.S. models. President Xi has advocated for global AI governance and China’s role in open-source AI.
Chinese Reactions to U.S. Actions
China’s Global Times criticized Amodei’s essay, suggesting it aims to contain China. This followed U.S. intelligence agencies warning against China’s AI models’ competitive advancements. China dismissed these claims, arguing that such practices are standard in AI development.
Strategic Concerns
Both China and the U.S. are wary of each other gaining technological dominance. Lizzi C. Lee from the Asia Society Policy Institute raised questions on potential cooperation when restrictions are in place. The geopolitical tech rivalry continues to influence AI discourse between the nations.