Beijing: China is steadily closing the technology gap with the United States in artificial intelligence, even as it faces major restrictions on advanced computer chips and key manufacturing tools, according to Chinese AI researchers and industry experts.
Researchers say China has made strong progress in developing powerful AI models by improving software efficiency, refining algorithms and making better use of available computing power. These efforts are helping Chinese companies overcome limits caused by tighter controls on access to advanced semiconductors.
The United States still holds a clear lead in high end AI chips and computing infrastructure. Export controls have restricted China’s access to cutting edge chipmaking equipment and advanced processors, slowing its ability to scale large AI systems. However, Chinese researchers argue that innovation under pressure has pushed companies to find new ways to compete.
Several Chinese AI firms have expanded rapidly in recent years, supported by strong domestic demand, government backing and a growing pool of engineers. Experts note that China’s large data resources, strong electricity supply and expanding data center capacity are becoming key advantages in the long term.
At the same time, challenges remain. China continues to rely on older generation chips for many AI tasks, and domestically produced alternatives are still years away from matching the most advanced global technology. Researchers acknowledge that these hardware limits affect training speed and overall performance.
International observers say the global AI race is increasingly shaped by more than just hardware. Talent, energy supply, data availability and policy support are now seen as equally important. Some industry leaders believe China’s ability to build large scale infrastructure could help it narrow the gap further in the coming years.
For now, the United States remains ahead in core AI technologies, but the distance is shrinking. Analysts say the competition between China and United States is entering a new phase, where innovation under constraint may play as important a role as access to the most advanced tools.