Technology experts have observed that the United States and China are pursuing distinct yet complementary approaches in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), creating potential avenues for cooperation despite ongoing political tensions. Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Hong Kong Cyberport, emphasized that while the US has focused on foundational AI models, China has made significant strides in inference and reasoning, which drive practical applications. Chan highlighted China’s historical effectiveness in applying technology to enhance livelihoods and business operations, while also acknowledging the importance of foundational model investments. During a recent visit to Silicon Valley, Chan led a delegation of young entrepreneurs exploring AI-driven smart living solutions. Graham Webster, Editor-in-Chief of Stanford University’s DigiChina Project, echoed this sentiment, noting China’s focus on industrial applications of AI, such as manufacturing and power system optimization, contrasting with the US’s emphasis on large models and existential risks. China’s Global AI Governance Action Plan, unveiled at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, advocates for an inclusive, multi-stakeholder framework promoting cross-border data flows and open-source models. This contrasts with the US’s strategic rivalry-focused approach under the Trump administration. Webster dismissed concerns about Chinese-made AI as xenophobic, emphasizing the importance of functionality over origin. Both experts called for collaboration across the AI stack, from computing to applications, to build a comprehensive ecosystem. Chan also underscored the potential for innovation clusters like Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou and Silicon Valley to foster global cooperation, despite geopolitical uncertainties.