US-China AI Competition Heats Up

On June 25, 2025, a significant event unfolded in Congress as members of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party convened. This hearing symbolized a turning point where Congress began to acknowledge the serious implications of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and its geopolitical stakes, particularly in relation to China.

The committee was primarily focused on the ever-growing competition between the U.S. and China over AI supremacy. Representatives from both political parties articulated their concerns with a surprising level of detail and urgency, signaling a shift away from rhetoric and towards a more strategic approach to AI development. The discussions underscored the need for the U.S. to bolster its own AI capabilities in order to remain competitive globally.

Critics of the One Big Beautiful Bill have raised alarms regarding its potential to inadvertently allow China to take a leading role in the AI sector. The implications of this, they argue, could result in both economic and strategic disadvantages for the U.S. as it grapples with the regulatory landscape surrounding data centers and AI advancements. There’s a palpable fear among policymakers that without adequately addressing these challenges, the United States could find itself at a significant disadvantage on the international stage.

This concern is not unfounded, as the complexity and rapid evolution of AI technologies demand a responsive and informed regulatory approach. As the world becomes increasingly dependent on AI, Congress’s engagement highlights the urgency of establishing a national framework that not only fosters innovation but also addresses security implications associated with advanced AI technologies.