US lawmakers and former national security officials have highlighted the growing artificial intelligence (AI) competition between the United States and China as a significant national security concern. Testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, experts emphasized that advanced AI chips now play a crucial role in modern warfare, intelligence operations, and economic strength. They stressed that the outcome of this AI race will determine military supremacy in the next decade and impact the technological advantage of the US over China.
Committee chairman Congressman Brian Mast underscored the critical nature of winning the AI arms race for America’s national security and economic stability. He pointed out that the competition directly influences the military prowess of the United States compared to China. Mast noted that AI is already integral to military functions like command and control, surveillance, cyber activities, and nuclear upgrades, emphasizing that AI dominance can dictate factors such as early detection, decision-making, and preemptive strikes.
Former US national security adviser Matt Pottinger cautioned against providing China access to advanced American AI chips, warning that this could accelerate Beijing’s military modernization efforts significantly. He specifically mentioned the potential implications of selling Nvidia’s H200 chips to China, citing applications in cyber warfare, autonomous drones, and intelligence gathering. Pottinger highlighted China’s strategy of “military-civil fusion,” emphasizing the blurred lines between civilian and military uses of advanced technologies.
Former Biden administration official Jon Finer described AI as the primary battleground in the US-China competition and urged vigilance. He stressed that the intense technological rivalry will be a crucial factor in determining the ultimate victor. Finer pointed out that China considers AI as a key technology for achieving its economic and military goals, noting that restrictions on advanced chip exports and semiconductor tools have been effective in impeding Beijing’s advancements.
Experts noted that China’s inability to mass-produce advanced semiconductors remains a significant obstacle, despite substantial state support. Pottinger referenced public statements by Chinese leaders acknowledging deficiencies in core AI technologies and the necessity to address these gaps. He highlighted China’s efforts to bridge this technological divide by acquiring advanced foreign chips, indicating a strategic push to surpass the US.
Lawmakers also expressed concerns about Chinese tech companies purchasing US chips and their close ties to the state. Pottinger cited firms like DeepSeek, Alibaba, and Tencent as examples of companies aligned with China’s broader military objectives. The bipartisan hearing emphasized that AI policy is no longer just about commercial innovation but has real implications for warfare, weapons, and casualties, calling for robust congressional oversight akin to arms export regulations.
