The Tartan

By Carter Musheno

Editorials featured in the Forum section are solely the opinions of their individual authors.

In 2017, China laid out a daring blueprint aiming to seize the global lead in AI by 2030. This bold ambition is not just about technological bragging rights; it’s a clear signal of China’s intent to leapfrog to the forefront of global innovation, potentially altering the balance of geopolitical power for decades to come (European Union, 2021). For the U. S., the response can’t just be strong — it needs to be smarter, leveraging every strategic advantage they have while navigating the tightrope of international diplomacy and economic rivalry.

At the core of AI’s evolution is a trinity of needs: advanced algorithms, vast pools of data, and the linchpin — semiconductor chips. Semiconductors power everything from smartphones to the most sophisticated AI algorithms that will drive the future; the race to build them faster, smaller, and more efficient is fierce. The U.S. and its partners hold the upper hand in this arena, for now, but China is rapidly advancing, with plans to pour more than $26 billion into AI development by 2026 (IDC, 2023). The United States must chart a course that’s both innovative and collaborative. It involves not just reacting to threats, but proactively leveraging our strengths by enhancing multilateral alliances, innovating supply chain resilience, and thwarting technology transfer risks to ensure the U.S. maintains its competitive edge in AI.

Doubling Down on Alliances

The recent aggressive postures by China, from its support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict to its muscle-flexing over Taiwan, have raised eyebrows worldwide, potentially nudging it toward diplomatic isolation (Atlantic Council, 2023; CFR, 2024). This presents an opportunity for the U.S. to strengthen ties with ASEAN nations and leverage partnerships like AUKUS, creating a formidable bloc that counteracts China’s ambitions (Department of State, 2023; CSIS, 2023). The idea here is clear: in unity, there’s strength — especially when facing a rival that’s willing to call upon its axis of resistance (Iran, Russia, and North Korea).

Supply Chain Innovation and Resilience

We need to turn our supply chains into fortresses. The U.S. has begun this process with the CHIPS and Science Act, earmarking $52.7 billion to shore up domestic chip production (The White House, 2022). This isn’t just about protecting our tech; it’s about securing our future autonomy in the face of escalating tensions and ensuring that we’re not left vulnerable if supply lines get cut off in an economic or political standoff. The U.S. must continue to strategically wield the tool of export controls. By restricting China’s access to the most advanced chip-making technology, we don’t just slow their progress; we set the chessboard in our favor, compelling them to play catch-up (Atlantic Council, 2023). This must be done judiciously, to avoid crippling global innovation and economic growth.

Talent and Innovation

The battle for AI supremacy isn’t just fought in labs or boardrooms; it’s also about attracting the brightest minds. The U.S. must remain a beacon for global talent, fostering an environment where innovation thrives. This means not only investing in our homegrown talent through education and research, but also ensuring our immigration policies encourage the best and brightest from around the world to contribute to our technological ecosystem.

The U.S. isn’t just competing with China’s 2030 AI dominance plan on the technology front; it’s a contest over which vision of the future will prevail — one of open collaboration and innovation or one of strategic dominance and control. To maintain its leadership and secure a future where AI technologies benefit humanity at large, the U.S. must leverage its alliances, protect its innovations, and continue to be a magnet for the world’s best talent. This isn’t just about outpacing a rival; it’s about securing a legacy of responsible and transparent leadership in the age of AI.