The AI landscape is heating up globally, with the US and China vying for leadership. China is investing heavily, with Shanghai launching a $139 million subsidy program and a $418 million fund to boost AI development, showcased at the World AI Conference which featured over 3,000 new AI products and attracted 350,000 visitors. Premier Li Qiang is advocating for international cooperation in AI governance, suggesting a global plan to manage AI and cautioning against a few countries dominating the field, contrasting with what some perceive as the US's "America First" approach. Despite US restrictions, companies like Huawei are closing the gap with Nvidia. The US, meanwhile, is pushing its AI Action Plan, but faces challenges, including policy and funding gaps in using nuclear energy to power AI data centers, where Russia and China are currently ahead. Trump's plan to boost AI includes weakening the National Environmental Policy Act to speed up data center construction, a move that is drawing criticism. Other countries are also strategizing around AI. The UK, for example, is focusing on AI infrastructure for health, education, and defense, rather than trying to compete directly with the US and China in model training. San Jose is training city staff on AI to improve services, reporting a 20% increase in efficiency. Challenges remain in AI development, including getting different AI systems to communicate effectively. Companies like Anthropic, IBM, and Google are developing solutions to create a common AI language. In cybersecurity, Resecurity has added Charles Chen to its AI Advisory Board to develop AI-powered tools. Microsoft discovered a security flaw, dubbed "Sploitlight", in Apple's macOS that could leak data, which Apple fixed in March 2025. AI is also impacting job seekers, with new grads using tools like ChatGPT to improve resumes, though networking remains crucial. Even opinions on AI are evolving, as seen with Nick Cave, who changed his mind after viewing an AI-created music video. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party in India is criticizing the nation's AI education compared to Japan and China, citing a lack of computer labs and basic math skills in many schools.
Key Takeaways
- China is aggressively investing in AI, with Shanghai launching a $139 million subsidy program and a $418 million fund.
- Premier Li Qiang is calling for global cooperation on AI governance, proposing an international AI body.
- The US faces challenges in using nuclear energy to power AI data centers, lagging behind Russia and China.
- Trump's AI plan includes weakening the National Environmental Policy Act to accelerate data center construction.
- The UK is focusing on AI infrastructure for sectors like health and defense, rather than direct competition in AI model training.
- San Jose is training city staff on AI, resulting in a reported 20% increase in efficiency.
- Anthropic, IBM, and Google are working on solutions to enable different AI systems to communicate with each other.
- Resecurity has appointed Charles Chen to its AI Advisory Board to enhance AI-powered cybersecurity tools.
- Microsoft discovered and reported a security flaw in Apple's macOS, dubbed "Sploitlight", that could expose sensitive data.
- New graduates are leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance their job applications, though networking remains essential.
China and US compete in AI with city funding and tech plans
China is boosting its AI industry with a $139 million subsidy program in Shanghai. This effort aims to reduce reliance on US technology amid growing AI competition. The US is also pushing its AI Action Plan to maintain its lead. Despite US restrictions, China's AI industry is expected to grow, with companies like Huawei closing the gap with Nvidia. The competition is set to intensify, with calls for international cooperation to ensure AI benefits all nations.
China's AI boom drives economic growth with new tech and funding
China's AI industry is rapidly growing and driving economic growth, as shown at the 2025 World AI Conference. Shanghai launched a $418 million fund to boost AI development. The city also introduced 12 new measures to expand AI use. Over 3,000 new AI products were shown at the event, attracting a record 350,000 visitors. Companies are using AI to improve research, development, and production, making China a leader in AI.
China proposes global AI plan as US focuses on its own dominance
China is suggesting a global plan to manage AI, following the US's own plan to lead in AI. Chinese Premier Li Qiang wants global coordination on AI rules at the World AI Conference. He cautioned against a few countries controlling AI, hinting at US restrictions on technology exports to China. The US and China are competing in AI, with China investing heavily. Experts urge collaboration to handle AI's risks and ensure it benefits everyone.
China's AI strategy embraces competition and global collaboration
China's AI strategy involves intense competition among local companies and a call for global cooperation. Premier Li Qiang announced plans for an international AI body to prevent a few countries from dominating the field. This contrasts with the US's "America First" approach. China is encouraging open-source AI development and offering low-cost AI products. Despite concerns about control, China's approach aims to make AI accessible worldwide.
UK needs AI infrastructure strategy for growth and security
A new report says the UK must focus on using AI widely to boost its economy and security. The UK should not try to compete with the US and China in training AI models. Instead, it should build AI infrastructure to use AI in health, education, and defense. The UK is unlikely to meet its 2030 AI capacity goals due to delays and costs. The report recommends a broader AI strategy and reforms to attract investment.
US lags in AI-nuclear energy race amid policy and funding gaps
The US is falling behind in using nuclear energy to power AI data centers. The growth of AI needs a lot of power, but nuclear energy faces challenges. These challenges include reactor costs, supply chain issues, and regulations. Russia and China are ahead because of strong government support. The US needs a better plan with public and private help to catch up.
Resecurity adds AI expert Charles Chen to advisory board
Resecurity, a cybersecurity company, has appointed Charles Chen to its AI Advisory Board. Chen is a former advisor for the U.S. Department of State. He will help Resecurity develop AI-powered cybersecurity tools. Chen's experience includes national security and digital innovation. Resecurity aims to improve threat detection and risk management using AI.
Trump's AI plan weakens environmental law for data center growth
President Trump's plan to boost AI includes weakening the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This law protects the environment by requiring reviews of project impacts. Trump wants to speed up data center construction by giving them exemptions from environmental reviews. Critics say this could harm communities and the environment. The administration argues it will help America lead in AI and manufacturing.
AI's next big challenge getting different AI systems to communicate
The main problem in AI now is getting different AI systems to communicate with each other. Currently, AI models speak different "languages," which limits their ability to work together. Solutions like Anthropic's MCP, IBM's ACP, and Google's A2A are being developed. These aim to create a common way for AIs to connect and share information. A universal AI language could lead to new possibilities, but there's a risk of more division if the "protocol wars" continue.
New grads use AI to find jobs in competitive market
Recent college graduates are using AI tools like ChatGPT to help them find jobs. AI helps them improve their resumes and cover letters for specific job descriptions. However, networking remains a key factor in job searching. AI can help students get noticed, but interviews are still important. Some companies are warning against using AI during job applications.
AAP criticizes India's AI education compared to Japan and China
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is criticizing the Indian government's education policies. They say India is not preparing students for the AI world like Japan and China. AAP plans to audit government schools across 20 states. They claim most schools lack computer labs and basic math skills. AAP says the government isn't investing enough in education and is focusing on divisive issues instead.
Microsoft finds Apple AI security flaw that could leak data
Microsoft discovered a security flaw in Apple's macOS that could let hackers steal private data. The flaw bypasses security measures, allowing access to files and caches used by Apple Intelligence. This could expose sensitive information like location data and search history. Microsoft calls the flaw "Sploitlight" and says it's more dangerous than previous issues. Apple fixed the flaw in March 2025, and Microsoft's Defender for Endpoint can now detect suspicious activity.
Nick Cave changes mind on AI after seeing new music video
Nick Cave has changed his opinion on AI after seeing Andrew Dominik's AI-created music video for his song "Tupelo." Cave previously criticized AI-generated content. Dominik used AI to animate old photos of Elvis Presley for the video. Cave was initially skeptical but found the video profound and moving. He still has concerns about AI replacing human creativity but appreciates its use as a tool in this case.
San Jose trains city staff on AI for better services
San Jose, California, is training its city staff on AI and data skills to improve services for residents. The AI Upskilling Program teaches employees how to use AI tools to streamline their work. Staff learn about responsible AI practices and how to develop AI assistants. The program has increased efficiency by 20% and saved the city money. One employee used AI to secure millions in funding for electric vehicle chargers.
Sources
- US-China AI competition accelerates with massive city funding
- Nation's AI industry hailed as economic growth driver
- China pitches global AI governance group as the US goes it alone
- China’s AI Strategy Relies on Frenzy and Frenemies
- Sovereignty, Security, Scale: A UK Strategy for AI Infrastructure
- Dropping the Baton in the Artificial Intelligence-Nuclear Energy Race
- Resecurity Appoints Charles Chen to Advisory Board on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- With AI plan, Trump keeps chipping away at a foundational environmental law
- Forget the Turing Test, AI’s real challenge is communication
- Recent graduates turn to AI tools in their job search
- 'Japan training kids to rule AI world, we're not even making AI workers': AAP slams Centre
- Microsoft calls out Apple Intelligence AI security flaw which could have let hackers steal private data
- Nick Cave Says Andrew Dominik’s New Video for ‘Tupelo’ Has Changed His Mind on AI, Kinda
- Training city staff on AI now can lead to better service delivery later, leaders say