AI Clash: US Lawmakers Push to Block Chinese Tech

The US is stepping up its game in the AI world. Lawmakers from both major parties are teaming up to keep Chinese AI systems out of US government hands. They're serious about this. They see AI as a big deal in the ongoing tech rivalry between the US and China. This push comes after a Chinese startup, DeekSeek, showed off an AI model that can compete with big names like OpenAI and Google, but didn't cost nearly as much to make. This has folks worried that China is catching up fast, despite US restrictions on tech exports. Some experts say this is like a new Cold War, but with AI as the main battleground. They believe who leads in AI could decide who has more power in the future. One expert even said the US and China are in a long-term tech competition that will shape global politics for years to come. There's a concern that AI built in countries with strict rules might not be as good as AI built in open societies. One AI policy expert said AI from democracies could be better for everyone, while AI from authoritarian countries might just spread those countries' values. Right now, the US is ahead in making top AI models, but China is catching up quick. China is also leading in AI research and patents. Some experts say the US needs to tighten controls on selling advanced computer chips to China. They believe this is key to staying ahead in the AI race. Lawmakers have introduced a new bill to ban Chinese AI systems in the US government. They say this is to protect American interests. The bill would stop federal agencies from using AI systems made by foreign countries the US doesn't get along with, unless it's for research or fighting terrorism.