As the World Debates the Risks of AI, China Closes the Technology Gap With the US

The U.S. accuses China of extracting capabilities from American AI models, a claim China denies.

Associated Press

Sep 15, 2026 — 5 min read

Photo of a worker standing at the booth for Chinese AI Startup Moonshot's Kimi K3 in July 2026 by Ng Han Guan/AP

HONG KONG, Sept. 15, 2026 (AP) — As the rapid development of artificial intelligence triggers a renewed debate about its risks, the United States and China keep racing to develop increasingly powerful models.

The U.S. has outpaced China and other countries in AI model capabilities, research, citations and other areas. China has been rapidly catching up as an AI superpower even as U.S.-led restrictions have blocked China from accessing some of the most advanced technologies, including the cutting-edge chips and the machines to make them.

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