The World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai highlights China's drive for technological self-reliance amid US chip restrictions. Beijing rejects 'trap' claims regarding its open-source AI promotion, aiming to foster global exchanges and ensure AI benefits reach developing nations.
The US has reportedly delayed adding Chinese AI startup DeepSeek to a trade blacklist, despite approval last year. DeepSeek's low-cost AI model and alleged support for military operations raised concerns among US officials and AI companies.
US President Donald Trump arrives in Beijing for historic talks with President Xi Jinping, amid global tensions over the US-Israel war on Iran, rising energy costs, and escalating US-China tech rivalry.
China has formally ordered Meta to unwind its $2 billion acquisition of AI company Manus, citing national security concerns. The deal, completed in December 2025, had been under review since January 2026. This marks a significant escalation in US-China AI rivalry and signals increased difficulty for cross-border tech deals. Manus founders had relocated most of their team to Singapore and established offshore entities to distance from China, but the Chinese government's decision creates uncertainty for both companies' AI ambitions.
