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How US Policies on Science and Immigration Are Boosting China’s AI Ambitions
Artificial intelligence is reshaping global power dynamics, and the United States may be unintentionally handing China an advantage. According to Helen Toner, former OpenAI board member and AI policy expert, recent US restrictions on academic research and international students are proving to be a "great gift" to China’s AI development efforts.
The Brain Drain Effect
Toner, now director of strategy at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET), highlights a critical irony:
- Foreign talent, particularly from China, has historically driven US innovation in tech and AI.
- Recent policies restricting visas and research collaborations are pushing this talent pool toward Chinese institutions instead.
- China’s gain: "A huge proportion of the US AI workforce are immigrants," Toner notes. "Attacking scientific research and foreign talent is a boon to China’s competition."
This shift comes as China makes surprising strides in AI, like the success of its DeepSeek model earlier this year—despite US efforts to limit China’s access to advanced chips.
AI’s Impact on Jobs: Already Happening
The debate over AI’s disruption to employment isn’t theoretical—it’s already unfolding. Toner points to:
- Entry-level roles: AI excels at "bite-size tasks" typically assigned to interns or junior employees, such as drafting reports or basic data analysis.
- Human oversight: While AI can handle discrete tasks, complex projects still require human review—for now.
- The broader trend: Companies are under pressure to prove AI’s ROI, leading to rapid adoption even as long-term impacts remain unclear.
The Risks of Racing Ahead
Toner warns of two key dangers in the AI sector:
- The "move fast and break things" mentality: Companies are prioritizing speed over safety, making ad-hoc decisions about ethics and guardrails.
- Gradual disempowerment: Society might cede too much control to AI systems before realizing the consequences.
Yet she remains optimistic about AI’s potential in areas like scientific research and autonomous vehicles, where incremental improvements can save lives.
Key Takeaways
- Talent wars matter: Restricting international researchers weakens US competitiveness.
- Job disruption is here: White-collar roles are evolving, not disappearing overnight.
- Balance innovation with caution: The race for AI dominance shouldn’t come at the cost of thoughtful oversight.
For policymakers and business leaders, Toner’s insights underscore the need to foster collaboration—not isolation—in the global AI landscape.
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