US or China: Who Will Win The AI and Green Tech Race?

Summary

China is aggressively pursuing leadership in AI and renewable energy, becoming the world's largest solar energy producer and aiming to surpass Europe's solar and wind capacity by 2025. Despite advancements, China lags in AI compared to the US, facing challenges like data limitations and geopolitical constraints. The country is emphasizing self-reliance in high-tech, with significant solar panel exports, but faces trade tensions and concerns over data privacy. As China strives for global leadership by 2030, it must navigate these obstacles and international perceptions.

Takeaways

• 🌏 China aims to be a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy by 2030.
• 🌞 China is the world's largest producer of solar energy, with an output of 430 GW in April 2023.
• 💡 China's solar and wind capacity is projected to double that of Europe by 2025.
• 🚗 Beijing is one of the cities where Baidu's autonomous vehicle service, Apollo Go, operates.
• 📈 China expects to operate 12 million autonomous vehicles by 2040, double the amount of the US.
• 🤖 China's AI industry is expanding, but currently lags behind the US in terms of advancement.
• 🗣️ Chinese tech firms have been launching generative chatbots since 2023, with Baidu's ER Bot reaching 70 million users.
• 📊 A significant challenge for Chinese AI is the lack of data due to the limited amount of content available in Chinese online.
• 🔒 There are concerns about data privacy and governance with Chinese companies, affecting their global reputation.
• 🚫 The US has imposed restrictions on the sale of supercomputing chips and advanced chip-making equipment to China.
• ♻️ China is a dominant force in the solar panel industry, controlling 75% of the manufacturing process and 85% of solar cell production.

Q & A

What are China's ambitions in the technology sector?

China aims to be a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy, with specific goals to be the largest producer of solar energy and a world leader in AI by 2030.

What was China's solar power output in April 2023?

In April 2023, China's solar power output reached 430 gigawatts (GW), making it the largest producer of solar energy in the world.

How does China's solar and wind capacity compare to Europe's by 2025?

China is on track to have more than doubled the solar and wind capacity of Europe by 2025.

What is the projected value of China's AI industry by 2030?

The AI industry in China is projected to be worth 150 billion US dollars by 2030.

In which cities does Baidu's driverless ride-hailing service Apollo Go operate?

Baidu's Apollo Go operates in 10 cities in China, including Beijing.

What is the expected number of autonomous vehicles China will operate by 2040?

By 2040, China is expected to operate 12 million autonomous vehicles, which is double that of the US.

How does China's progress in AI compare to the US?

While China has been making strides, it currently lags behind the US in terms of AI advancement.

What was the reaction of Chinese tech firms to the introduction of OpenAI's ChatGPT?

Chinese tech firms were caught by surprise by the introduction of ChatGPT and subsequently launched their own versions of generative chatbots.

What is a major constraint faced by Chinese AI companies?

A major constraint is the lack of data, as most global websites are in English, and only about 1.5% are in Chinese, limiting the user case for training AI models.

What are the concerns regarding data governance and privacy with Chinese companies?

There are concerns that data collected by Chinese companies may be used for purposes beyond commercial interests, potentially conflicting with EU or US frameworks.

What actions has the US taken to restrict China's access to advanced technology?

The US has banned the sale of supercomputing chips and advanced chip-making equipment to China, including AI-specific chips like the Nvidia H800 and A800.

How does China's dominance in solar panel exports affect international relations?

China's dominance has led to concerns from other countries, resulting in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy programs, and potential bans on Chinese solar panels in the US and EU.

What is the impact of China's control over the solar cell manufacturing process?

China controls 75% of the manufacturing process for assembling solar cells and modules, as well as 85% of solar cell production, which could significantly affect the global solar supply chain.

How do China and the US view collaboration on climate change?

Despite tensions, both China and the US recognize climate change as a common goal and have shown willingness to collaborate, as evidenced by the resumption of climate negotiations in 2023.

What is the future outlook for China's AI and renewable energy sectors?

China is expected to continue its dominance in renewables and aims to prove its AI viability to become a global leader by 2030, with significant state funding and focus on computational models.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 China's Ascent in AI and Renewable Energy

China is aggressively pursuing leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy. By April 2023, it had become the largest producer of solar energy, with output reaching 430 gigawatts, and is projected to double the solar and wind capacity of Europe by 2025. The country aims to lead the world in AI by 2030, with an industry worth $150 billion. Beijing is one of ten cities where Baidu's autonomous vehicle service, Apollo Go, operates, and the fleet is expanding. China's large economy of scale provides a significant user base for AI technology, and by 2040, it is expected to operate 12 million autonomous vehicles, double the number in the US. Despite this, China lags behind the US in AI advancement. The introduction of OpenAI's ChatGPT in October surprised China, highlighting the gap between Chinese AI and its global counterparts. Chinese tech firms have since launched generative chatbots, with Baidu's ERNIE Bot reaching 70 million users, trailing ChatGPT's 100 million weekly active users. However, Chinese AI faces challenges due to data limitations, with only 1.5% of global websites in Chinese, compared to English. This restricts the training data available for Chinese AI models. Additionally, there are geopolitical concerns regarding data privacy and governance, with companies like TikTok facing accusations of data misuse. The US has also imposed restrictions on the sale of advanced computing chips to China, which could hinder its AI development.

05:03

🔄 Geopolitical Challenges in Tech and Clean Energy

The US has issued orders to restrict investments into China, with concerns primarily related to the military application of AI. The China-US relationship is not expected to improve significantly in the coming decade, leading China to focus on self-reliance in high-tech sectors. In the first half of 2023, China exported 114 gigawatts of solar panels, potentially surpassing the 2022 record. However, this dominance has raised concerns in other countries, leading to anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures. The US-China trade war intensified in August 2022 with a ban on advanced chip exports to China. The EU also plans to ban Chinese solar panels, citing forced labor concerns. In response, China considered banning the export of key solar technologies, as it controls 75% of the manufacturing process and 85% of solar cell production. Despite the technological decoupling and competition, clean energy initially relied on European demand, which triggered China's investment in renewable energy. China's lower costs in labor and production have allowed it to become profitable and expand rapidly. The US and China have attempted to repair their relationship, agreeing to renew the Science and Technology agreement for R&D cooperation. China will continue to dominate in renewables but must convince the world of its AI viability to become a global leader by 2030. AI will receive significant attention and funding from the state, potentially leading to similar computational models between the two countries.

Keywords

💡Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. In the context of the video, China has ambitious plans to become a global leader in AI by 2030, with an industry worth 150 billion US dollars. The country is investing heavily in AI research and development, aiming to drive innovation and advancement in this field to rival the US. Examples from the script highlight China's progress in AI, such as the launch of generative chatbots and the expansion of autonomous vehicle industries, despite currently lagging behind the US in terms of AI advancement.

💡Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy is energy derived from natural processes that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. The video emphasizes China's significant strides in solar power output, reaching 430 GW and becoming the world's largest producer of solar energy. China is also on track to double the solar and wind capacity of Europe by 2025, showcasing its commitment to clean energy. The country's focus on renewable energy is part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.

💡Solar Power Output

Solar Power Output measures the amount of electricity generated by solar energy. According to the transcript, China's solar power output reached 430 GW in April 2023, making it the largest producer of solar energy globally. This growth indicates China's rapid expansion in the solar energy sector and its ambition to lead in renewable energy production. The increase in solar power output is a key aspect of China's strategy to become a global leader in clean energy technologies.

💡Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous Vehicles are self-driving cars that use sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate without human input. The video mentions China's progress in autonomous vehicle technology, with companies like Baidu expanding their driverless ride-hailing service, Apollo Go. By 2040, China is expected to operate 12 million autonomous vehicles, which is double that of the US. This highlights the country's commitment to integrating AI into transportation and its potential to lead in this area.

💡AI Advancement

AI Advancement refers to the progress and development in the field of artificial intelligence. The transcript notes that while China has ambitious goals for AI, it currently lags behind the US in terms of AI advancement. However, Chinese tech firms have been launching their versions of generative chatbots, such as B's ear bot, which has reached 70 million users. This indicates the rapid pace at which China is working to close the gap in AI technology and become a global leader.

💡Data Governance

Data Governance is the exercise of authority, control, and shared decision-making over data policies and practices. The video discusses the challenges Chinese companies face in data collection and governance, particularly due to concerns about data privacy and the perception that data collected by Chinese companies may be used for non-commercial purposes. This issue is exemplified by the case of TikTok, which faced accusations of storing US user data in China and allowing Chinese authorities access. Data governance is a critical aspect of AI development, as data is essential for training AI models.

💡Technology Decoupling

Technology Decoupling refers to the strategic separation of technological dependencies between countries, often due to political or economic reasons. The transcript mentions the US ban on the sale of supercomputing chips and advanced chip equipment to China, as well as restrictions on US investments in China. These measures are part of a broader trend of technology decoupling between the US and China, which affects the development and application of AI and other high-tech industries.

💡Clean Energy

Clean Energy sources produce little to no pollutants and have a reduced impact on the environment. The video highlights China's dominance in the clean energy sector, with a significant focus on solar power. China's rapid expansion in solar power output and its goal to double the solar and wind capacity of Europe by 2025 demonstrate the country's commitment to clean energy as a cornerstone of its environmental policy and economic growth.

💡Global Technology Leader

A Global Technology Leader is a country or company that sets the pace for innovation and development in technology on a worldwide scale. The transcript outlines China's ambitions to become a global technology leader in AI and renewable energy. This goal is reflected in the country's significant investments in AI research, the expansion of its solar power output, and its efforts to double the solar and wind capacity of Europe by 2025.

💡AI Industry Value

The AI Industry Value refers to the total worth of a country's AI sector, including revenues generated from AI technologies and services. The video mentions that China aims for its AI industry to be worth 150 billion US dollars by 2030. This value represents the expected economic impact of AI in China and underscores the country's commitment to becoming a major player in the global AI market.

Highlights

China aims to be a global leader in artificial intelligence and renewable energy.

China became the largest producer of solar energy in April 2023.

China's solar and wind capacity is expected to double that of Europe by 2025.

China's AI industry is valued at 150 billion USD and aims to lead the world by 2030.

BYD's driverless ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, operates in 10 Chinese cities.

China is expected to operate 12 million autonomous vehicles by 2040.

China lags behind the US in AI advancement.

Chinese tech firms launched generative chatbots in 2023 after government approval.

Baidu's ER Bot has 70 million users, trailing ChatGPT's 100 million.

Chinese AI models face data limitations due to language barriers.

Data is essential for AI training, but not all countries are willing to share with Chinese companies.

TikTok's parent company faced accusations of storing US user data in China.

Chinese companies face a perception problem regarding data privacy and governance.

The US banned the sale of supercomputing chips and advanced chip equipment to China in 2022.

China's solar panel exports are causing concern among other countries.

China controls a significant portion of the solar cell manufacturing process.

Technological decoupling in the high-tech sector is a reality between China and the US.

China is the global champion in renewable energy, driven by European demand and low costs.

China and the US attempted to repair their relationship and renew the Science and Technology agreement.

China will continue to dominate in renewables and seek global AI leadership by 2030.

Transcripts

China has Ambitions to be a global

technology leader in two key areas

artificial

intelligence and renewable energy in

April 2023 China's solar power output

reached 430 gaw making it the largest

producer of solar energy in the world it

is on track to have more than doubled

the solar and wind capacity of Europe by

2025 China also aims to be the world

leader in AI by 2030 with an industry

worth 150 billion us but behind all the

ambitious talk where does China's Ai and

clean energy industry really

stand today Beijing is one of 10 cities

in China where BYU's driverless ride

hailing service Apollo go operates and

BYU has been steadily expanding the

fleet since its debut in

[Music]

2022 China has a large economy of scale

the user case for AI technology is

massive by 2040 China is expected to

operate 12 million autonomous vehicles

which is double that of the US B's Robo

taxi is an example of how China is all

in on AI since 2015 legislation permits

and infrastructure support has expanded

China's autonomous vehicle industry it's

become part of the country's push for AI

advancement to rival the

us at the moment though China lags

behind the US in terms of AI

advancement so when open AI introduced

CH GDP last October actually the Chinese

were caught by surprise a lot actually

the Chinese didn't really anticipate

open AI was able to introduce such a

powerful new tool in such a short

manner Chinese Tech firms launched a

versions of generative chatbots one

after another in 2023 after getting the

green light from the

government B's ear bot user base has

since reached 70 million not far behind

chat gpt's 100 million weekly active

users worldwide the open AI people have

a head on this whole learning process as

you know is all learned by algorithms

right the learning process is a

multiplicative process and so once you

have a head start it's very difficult

for the late comers to C catch up with

you so there's already a gap in between

the technology level that is being

offered by open Ai and the Chinese

equivalent

and there is one more advantage that

chat GPT has over its Chinese

competitors one major constraint is the

lack of data most of the global websites

are written in English only about 1.5%

of the global websites are written in

Chinese so that has created this dilemma

for the local companies if they train

their AI model with English then there's

very little user case in the Chinese

contest for Chinese internet users they

usually generate content or interact

with the internet through super app on

their phones like WeChat or wayo that

has created additional barriers for

those AI models to pick up uh the data

and that's a fundamental

flaw data is essential to train

artificial intelligence but not all

countries are so ready to hand data over

to Chinese companies one recent example

is Tik Tok the popular social media

platform with a billion Global active

users each month its parent company bite

dance was accused of storing us users

personal data in China and allowing

Chinese authorities access to them I

feel that it's very difficult to

separate the politics from a data

governance or data privacy kind of

conversation and Chinese companies will

always have that perception problem that

you know the data they collect will be

used for purposes other than purely

commercial or maybe used for purposes

that don't fit either the EU or the US

Frameworks even if the truth is

something else in 2022 the US announced

a ban on the sale of superc computing

chips and Advanced chipm Equipment to

China AI specific chips like the Nvidia

h800 and a800 were recently added to the

band list these chips were spefic

specifically designed for the Chinese

markets the Biden Administration also

issued an order to restrict us

investments into China most of the

concerns comes with the application of

AI to to Military and defense and that

has always been a concern with uh with

technology and that will remain as long

as these two powers are in some sort of

rivalry the China us relation is

probably not going to improve

significantly in the coming decade so

China now Focus or stress very heavily

on the self-reliance of

Hightech in just the first half of 2023

China exported 114 gaw capacity of solar

panels on the way to eclipsing 2022

record but this dominance has got some

countries

worried since 2012 Europe and us started

to implement anti-dumping and

anti-subsidy program against China as a

result there are more restrictive

measures against the China's

exports

the US China trade War intensified in

August 2022 when President Biden banned

the export of advanced chips to

China the EU also has plans to ban

Chinese solar panels claiming they were

made with forc labor from

sang then Beijing hit back it announced

that it is considering an export ban on

key Solar

Technologies China controls 75 % of the

manufacturing process to assemble solar

cells and modules as well as 85% of

solar cells production such a band could

Ripple through the Solar Supply Chain

when it comes to the competition between

China and the US the technological

decoupling in the Hightech sector is

quite real there is a real competition

for who's going to own or lead the

transformative technology in the future

but in the beginning clean energy was

virtually unknown to the Chinese

consumer demand had to come from

elsewhere it's mostly the European

demand that had triggered China's

investment in the whole renewable energy

sector and because of the lower cost in

China with labor cost and opics cost

they could quickly become profitable and

raise the funds for Rapid Factory

expansions they are the Undisputed

Global Champion

today when former US Speaker of the

House Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in

August 2022 China cut off climate talks

in

protest but in July 2023 us climate

Envoy John kery visited Beijing a long

awaited trip to restart climate

negotiations given that climate change

is one of the very few sort of a common

goals right between China and us why not

collaborate at the ape meeting in

November

2023 presidents Biden and C attempted to

repair their fractured

relationship the two leaders agreed to

renew the decades old Science and

Technology agreement this allows for

cooperation in R&D between the two

superpowers

regardless of whether its motives are

political economic or

environmental China will continue to be

the dominant force in

Renewables but it will have to convince

the world of its AI viability if it

wants to be a global Leader by 2030 AI

will receive the most attention and some

of most important fundings from the

state and eventually the two countries

will be quite similar in their

computational model when it comes to the

use of

[Music]

AI