China calls on US to stop threatening sanctions against AI firms

China urged the United States on Monday to stop politicizing technology and trade issues after some senior US officials reportedly said they were considering investigating and sanctioning Chinese artificial intelligence companies over alleged model distillation, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Responding to the reported remarks, a ministry spokesperson said in a statement that China firmly opposes the US government using unfounded accusations to stigmatize and sanction Chinese companies, warning China would take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests against any actions that substantially undermine China's interests.

The official said the US side has ignored the fact that Chinese AI models were released around the same time as leading US models and that some Chinese models have already achieved world-leading capabilities in certain fields.

Calling the US approach a typical example of "AI hegemony", the spokesman said the accusations lack factual and legal basis and reflect a double standard. Innovation is not the exclusive privilege of any one country, the spokesman added, noting that Chinese AI companies have long invested in fundamental research while promoting both technological self-reliance and international cooperation.

According to information released by the ministry, many US AI companies have used Chinese models for distillation during research and training.

Nearly 200 US startups have urged the US government not to cut off access to Chinese open-source AI models, arguing that such restrictions would weaken the competitiveness of US companies.

The spokesman called on the US to heed the objective and rational views of businesses in both countries, stop smearing and threatening Chinese companies, and strengthen dialogue and communication on AI.