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29. July 2025
China’s AI Firms Form Alliances Amid US Restrictions
In recent years, China has made significant strides in establishing itself as a major player in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. The country’s commitment to developing cutting-edge AI technologies has been driven by a desire to reduce its dependence on the United States, which has imposed numerous restrictions on Chinese tech companies.
The formation of two new alliances aims to promote innovation and self-reliance in the sector. The first alliance, known as the Model-Chip Ecosystem Innovation Alliance, connects AI companies and chipmakers from China to develop end-to-end AI technologies entirely within the country. This consortium brings together some of China’s most prominent players in the AI industry, including Enflame, Huawei, Biren, and Moore Threads.
StepFun, a leading AI model developer, launched this alliance as a strategic response to the growing restrictions imposed by the US government. “We want to ensure that our company remains competitive and can continue to innovate without relying on American technology,” said StepFun’s CEO, who wished to remain anonymous.
The second industry group, the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce AI Committee, aims to accelerate the adoption of AI across Shanghai’s private sector. This committee promotes collaboration among companies in the city’s manufacturing and other mature industries, which are likely to benefit from AI technologies.
Members of this committee include model developers StepFun, SenseTime, and MiniMax, as well as chipmakers Metax and Iluvatar CoreX. The Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce has a long history of promoting trade and investment in the region, and its AI Committee is seen as an important step towards developing China’s own AI ecosystem.
The US government’s restrictions on Chinese tech companies have had a significant impact on the global supply chain for semiconductors, which are essential for training and deploying powerful AI models. The US has imposed export controls on certain types of chips and related technologies, making it difficult for Chinese companies to access these components.
NVIDIA, one of the world’s leading suppliers of semiconductors, has developed modified chips that can circumvent these restrictions. However, these new chips are not yet widely available in China, and many companies are still struggling to adapt to the changing regulatory landscape.
The US government’s approach to regulating AI technology is often driven by national security concerns, particularly with regards to China’s potential use of AI for military applications. However, this approach has been criticized by many experts, who argue that it can stifle innovation and hinder the development of AI technologies in other countries.
To address trade and security concerns related to AI technology, the US government has established several dialogue channels with Chinese counterparts. For example, the two countries have a regular meeting between their top diplomats and tech officials.
Despite these efforts, tensions between the US and China remain high, and it is unclear whether they will be able to resolve their differences in the near future. However, the formation of these alliances demonstrates China’s commitment to developing its own AI ecosystem and reducing its dependence on the United States.
The potential benefits of this approach are significant. By developing its own AI technologies, China can reduce its reliance on American chips and other components, which can be expensive and difficult to source. This can help promote economic growth and reduce the impact of trade tensions between the two countries.
The growing importance of cooperation in the development of AI technology is evident in the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce AI Committee’s efforts. As the global supply chain for semiconductors becomes increasingly complex, it is likely that more countries will take steps to develop their own AI ecosystems.
This alliance highlights the need for international cooperation in promoting innovation and reducing tensions related to AI technology. By working together, companies from around the world can promote economic growth and peace.
China’s development of its own AI ecosystem is a significant shift in the global landscape for AI technology. As China continues to grow in this area, it is likely that we will see more cooperation and collaboration between companies from different countries, leading to greater innovation and reduced tensions related to trade and security concerns.