Chinese academic says EU tech sovereignty may be illusory in AI rivalry with US and China
The expert argues Beijing should use Donald Trump’s second term to make Chinese products indispensable to middle powers
Quick Look
- A Chinese academic argues that EU tech sovereignty in artificial intelligence may be an illusion in a world dominated by the US and China.
- The article says Beijing should use the current moment to make Chinese products indispensable to middle powers.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The article says several middle powers have recently moved to strengthen control over their AI technology stacks. It cites the EU’s Technological Sovereignty Package and Canada’s national AI strategy, while noting similar efforts in Japan, South Korea and India.
A Chinese expert has argued that EU tech sovereignty may prove an “illusion” in an AI world dominated by China and the US, and urged Beijing to use Donald Trump’s second term to make its products indispensable to middle powers.
In recent weeks, a number of middle powers have moved to strengthen control over their AI technology stacks.
Last week, the European Union introduced its Technological Sovereignty Package in a bid to make the bloc “a global leader” in artificial intelligence and protect its “digital independence”. For the EU, tech sovereignty means the ability “to develop, control and scale … critical technologies, infrastructure, services and data”.
On June 4, Canada designated “building the Canadian sovereign AI foundation” as one of the pillars of its C$2.3 billion (US$1.6 billion) national AI strategy.
Japan, South Korea and India are also working to strengthen their autonomy over artificial intelligence.
These efforts come amid growing unease among these countries about becoming bystanders in the Beijing-Washington battle for AI supremacy.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Middle powers are likely to continue announcing national or regional AI sovereignty initiatives.
Very likely · Within weeks
Debate over whether AI sovereignty is feasible outside the US-China rivalry is likely to intensify.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Which Chinese expert made the argument?
- What specific Chinese products should be made indispensable to middle powers?
- How does the EU plan to implement its Technological Sovereignty Package in practice?
- How will middle powers balance autonomy goals with dependence on US and Chinese technology?
