Does the United States need to outpace China in AI development to protect its values, economy, and global leadership?

 

Yes, the United States does need to compete with China in the development of artificial intelligence—but not simply to “win.” The stakes are far higher than economic dominance or technological prestige. AI has the potential to reshape societies, economies, and even the balance of global power. If developed irresponsibly or deployed without guardrails, it could become uncontrollable—or worse, weaponized in ways that threaten human rights, democratic institutions, and global stability.

 

That’s why competition alone isn’t enough. We must pair innovation with diplomacy. Just as nuclear weapons demanded global treaties to prevent catastrophic misuse, AI now demands a similar level of international coordination. The risks—autonomous weapons, mass surveillance, algorithmic manipulation—are too great to leave to market forces or geopolitical rivalry.

 

Competing with China is necessary to ensure that democratic values shape the future of AI. But cooperation is just as critical to ensure that future is safe, inclusive, and human-centered. We must act now—before the technology outpaces our ability to govern it.