U.S. Technology Adviser Urges Asia to Embrace Independent AI Development
In a significant move that underscores the evolving dynamics of global artificial intelligence (AI) policy, Michael Kratsios, the U.S. White House technology adviser, has called on Asian nations to chart their own courses in AI regulation and development. Speaking at a technology gathering in South Korea, Kratsios criticized the European Union’s stringent AI Act, urging Asian countries to avoid what he termed the “European model of fear and over-regulation.” He emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and sovereignty in AI, contrasting the U.S. approach with China’s recent proposal for global AI governance. (ft.com)
Kratsios’s remarks come at a time when the global AI landscape is marked by increasing competition and differing regulatory approaches. The European Union’s AI Act, widely considered the world’s strictest regime for regulating the technology, has been a point of contention for U.S. officials and tech companies. The Act imposes comprehensive regulations on AI systems, aiming to ensure safety and fundamental rights protection. However, critics argue that it could stifle innovation and place European companies at a disadvantage in the rapidly evolving AI sector.
In contrast, China’s proposal for global AI governance seeks to establish international standards and frameworks for AI development and deployment. While the initiative aims to promote collaboration and shared benefits, it has raised concerns about potential overreach and the imposition of standards that may not align with the interests of other nations.
Kratsios’s call for Asian countries to develop independent approaches to AI regulation reflects a broader U.S. strategy to maintain technological leadership and influence in the global AI arena. By offering a “full stack” of American AI technologies—including chips, data centers, language models, and cloud services—tailored to individual nations’ needs, the U.S. aims to provide alternatives to Chinese offerings, which often include open-source AI models and low-cost products.
This approach is reminiscent of previous U.S. efforts to persuade allies to exclude Chinese technology from critical infrastructure, such as the campaign to prevent Huawei’s inclusion in national telecom networks. The emphasis on export competitiveness and technological leadership underscores the strategic importance of AI in international relations and economic policy.
Kratsios’s remarks also highlight the complexities of international cooperation in AI. While there is a shared recognition of the transformative potential of AI, nations are navigating a delicate balance between collaboration and competition. The differing regulatory approaches and strategic interests reflect broader geopolitical tensions and the challenges of establishing global norms in rapidly advancing technological fields.
As Asian countries consider their paths forward in AI development, they face critical decisions about regulatory frameworks, international partnerships, and the integration of emerging technologies into their economies and societies. The discourse surrounding AI governance is likely to continue evolving, influenced by technological advancements, economic considerations, and geopolitical dynamics.
Source: Financial Times
Date Published: 2025-08-05
URL: https://www.ft.com/content/2add9af0-c563-484e-96b6-ebd553129145
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