In the arena of artificial intelligence (AI) competition, China and the United States are undoubtedly the protagonists in the spotlight. In recent years, with the rapid development of AI technology and the continuous expansion of application scenarios, this competition has intensified. Alibaba's co-founder Tsai Chongxin's remarks pushed the competition to a climax. He bluntly said that China is at least two years behind the United States in the field of AI, especially in artificial general intelligence (AGI). This point of view has sparked extensive discussion in the industry, and it also makes us have to think: in the face of the United States' leading edge in the field of AI, how can China achieve corner overtaking?
It is undeniable that the United States has a unique advantage in the field of AI. First of all, the United States has the world's top scientific research institutions and universities, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University, which have long been committed to basic AI research, providing strong theoretical support for the development of the industry. The United States is home to a large number of technology giants and innovative companies, such as Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, etc., which have made breakthroughs in key areas such as AI chips and algorithm models by virtue of their strong financial strength and technology accumulation, leading the development direction of the industry. The United States attaches great importance to intellectual property protection and scientific research ethics, and has created a good innovation ecosystem.
In contrast, China started late in basic AI research, and there is still a certain gap between China and the United States. However, in recent years, with the strong support of the government, China's AI industry has shown a vigorous development trend. In 2017, the State Council issued the "New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan", which elevated AI to a national strategy and put forward a "three-step" development goal. Local governments have also introduced relevant policies to increase financial investment and create a good environment for development. Driven by favorable policies, Chinese AI companies have sprung up, such as SenseTime Technology and Megvii Technology, which have emerged in subdivisions such as computer vision and speech recognition.
To achieve corner overtaking, China needs to continue to make efforts in many aspects. The primary task is to strengthen basic research and consolidate the theoretical foundation. The government should increase support for universities and research institutes, encourage original research, and cultivate top AI talent. It is necessary to break through key core technologies, especially in the field of AI chips. At present, there is still a gap between China and the United States in chip design and manufacturing, and it is urgent to increase investment and promote independent controllability. It is necessary to pay attention to algorithm innovation, develop AI models and frameworks with independent intellectual property rights, and get rid of dependence on foreign technology. At the same time, it is also necessary to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights and create a good atmosphere for respecting and encouraging innovation.
Despite shortcomings in some basic areas, China has been at the forefront of the world in AI applications. Thanks to its huge population base and active mobile Internet market, China has accumulated massive data resources, providing fertile soil for AI applications. In the fields of smart cities, mobile payment, and smart manufacturing, a number of excellent application cases have emerged in China, showing strong market potential. The successful experience of these applications also provides valuable reference and inspiration for the development of China's AI industry.
To achieve overtaking in corners, we also need the joint efforts of the whole society. The government should do a good job in top-level design, formulate long-term plans, and create a good policy environment; enterprises should be brave in innovation, increase investment in research and development, and promote the industrialization of technology; universities and scientific research institutions should deepen industry-university-research cooperation and provide high-quality talents for the industry; and all sectors of society should strengthen exchanges and cooperation, promote resource sharing, and form a joint force. Only with the joint efforts of the whole society can China's AI industry achieve healthy and sustainable development.
Of course, we must also be soberly aware that AI development is a long-term process and cannot be achieved overnight. The United States has accumulated decades of experience in this area, forming a strong first-mover advantage. For China to achieve overtaking in corners, it will take long-term and arduous efforts. We must maintain strategic focus, strengthen confidence, and move forward step by step. At the same time, it is also necessary to pay attention to the ethical issues of AI, ensure that the development of technology is in line with the universal values of human society, and make AI truly benefit mankind.
Standing at the time node in 2024, looking back at the development of China's AI industry in the past few years, we have reason to look forward to the future. Under the guidance of the government, driven by the market, and coordinated by industry, academia and research, China's AI industry will usher in a broader space for development. Although the road to overtaking in corners is full of challenges, we are confident and determined to achieve breakthroughs in some areas through unremitting efforts, and jointly promote AI technology for the benefit of human society.