China called on the United States on Monday to stop politicizing technology and trade issues, after some 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 that China would take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests against any actions substantially undermining its interests.
The spokesperson said that 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 spokesperson said the accusations lack factual and legal bases and reflect a double standard. Innovation is not the exclusive privilege of any one party, the spokesperson added, noting that Chinese AI companies have long invested in fundamental research while promoting both technological self-reliance and international cooperation.
