Technology
Thursday, December 7th, 2023 2:59 pm EDT
Key Points
- High-Level Diplomatic Meeting: Microsoft President Brad Smith held discussions with China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, covering topics such as artificial intelligence and trade relations between the U.S. and China. The meeting highlights China’s effort to maintain favorable ties with American businesses amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, and it follows the recent meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- Focus on AI Cooperation: During the meeting, Minister Wang expressed China’s commitment to providing better services for foreign enterprises and specifically mentioned the hope that Microsoft would play a “constructive role” in fostering cooperation on artificial intelligence between China and the U.S. Microsoft is recognized as a leading player in AI, marked by its significant investment in ChatGPT developer OpenAI.
- Rare Tech Firm-Government Meeting: Meetings between U.S. technology firms and the Chinese government have become increasingly rare due to escalating tensions. The engagement between Microsoft and China stands out, considering the limited presence of U.S. tech firms in China, where major players like Google and Meta have their services blocked. The meeting signifies efforts by both countries to improve the environment for foreign businesses, with Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla CEO Elon Musk also making visits to China this year. Smith emphasized Microsoft’s willingness to actively participate in China’s digital transformation and promote economic and trade cooperation between the two nations.
Microsoft President Brad Smith held a meeting with China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao to discuss various topics, including artificial intelligence and trade relations between the U.S. and China. The meeting reflects China’s efforts to demonstrate its continued openness to American businesses amid ongoing tensions with the U.S., aiming to boost its economic prospects.
The engagement between Smith and Wang follows the recent meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, indicating a willingness to cooperate in potential areas and improve the business environment for foreign companies.
During the meeting, Wang expressed China’s commitment to offering better services for foreign enterprises, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce emphasized the hope that Microsoft would play a “constructive role” in fostering cooperation on AI between China and the U.S.
Microsoft is recognized as a key player in artificial intelligence, bolstered by its significant investment in ChatGPT developer OpenAI. Meanwhile, China’s own tech giants, including Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent, have been actively developing their AI models and competing products.
The U.S.-China relationship in technology has been contentious, with the U.S. seeking to limit China’s access to critical technologies like semiconductors. Recent export restrictions from the U.S. targeted Nvidia’s chips, crucial for training AI models.
During the Biden-Xi meeting, there was an acknowledgment of the need to address risks associated with advanced AI systems and improve AI safety through government talks. Smith and Wang’s meeting appears to align with these sentiments.
Meetings between U.S. tech firms and the Chinese government have become infrequent due to heightened tensions. Many U.S. tech companies, such as Google and Meta, face restrictions in China. However, this year has seen visits from Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, reflecting a thaw in relations and China’s efforts to attract foreign businesses.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Smith stated that Microsoft is willing to actively participate in China’s digital transformation, promoting economic and trade cooperation between the two nations. Microsoft has yet to provide a comment on the meeting.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/07/microsofts-president-meets-with-the-chinese-government-to-talk-ai.html
