Tech executives believe China has an advantage in deploying AI applications to consumers, despite lagging in computing power. However, concerns about overvaluation of Chinese AI firms are rising.
US President Donald Trump announced plans to meet with top AI executives to discuss a proposal where AI companies would "give back" to the public, potentially through government stakes or public benefit mechanisms, reflecting growing scrutiny over AI's economic impact and wealth concentration.
Alibaba's Partnership Committee includes Group CEO Eddie Wu Yongming and Jiang Fan, CEO of the e-commerce unit. The CTO, born in 1982, is a key architect of Alibaba's tech infrastructure and is now focused on AI development.
The Guardian reveals that Varun Chandra, chief business adviser to Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, held 16 undisclosed meetings with executives from Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, Apple and Meta between October 2024 and October 2025. Chandra discussed AI policy, regulatory reforms and Trump's second administration with the tech giants, and offered to help connect executives directly with the prime minister. The meetings, obtained via FOI after 12 months, raise questions about lobbying transparency as political advisers are not required to declare such interactions unlike senior civil servants.
Varun Chandra, chief business adviser to Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, held 16 undisclosed meetings with senior executives from six major US tech companies between October 2024 and October 2025. The meetings covered AI policy, regulatory reform and Trump's second term, with Chandra offering to connect executives directly with the prime minister. The disclosures, obtained after a 12-month FOI battle, raise questions about lobbying transparency as political advisers are not required to declare such meetings. Chandra's role was expanded this year to include US trade envoy responsibilities.
Tech executives from Amazon, Apple, Google and Meta have dined with Trump and donated millions to his inauguration fund and the White House ballroom.
