During the Cold War, the concept of "soft power" was largely embodied by American films and music that captivated audiences internationally. However, in today’s digital landscape, China is advancing a different approach to soft power through its accessible and cost-effective artificial intelligence technology.
In a recent address, China's leader, Xi Jinping, emphasized the significance of open-source A.I. as integral to China's goals of influencing the global trajectory of this technology. He referred to open-sourcing, which allows for the widespread sharing and alteration of software, as a “rare and historical opportunity” to disseminate the advantages of technology on a global scale.
Mr. Xi underscored that China intends to endorse this open-source approach as a viable alternative to the dependency on American technology companies, whose A.I. offerings tend to be proprietary and pricier.
“A.I. development should not be a solo performance by a single country,” Mr. Xi stated, advocating for it to be a “symphony of global collaboration.”
