China's AI Rush: Over 40 Artificial Intelligence Models Approved as Beijing Tries To Keep Up With US

China's AI rush is quite intense as the Chinese government approves over 40 artificial intelligence systems. As of writing, China and the United States are competing in an artificial intelligence race.

It all started when the American tech firm OpenAI officially launched its popular chatbot ChatGPAT in late 2022. Its impact on China was seen in 2023 when Beijing announced that it would aim to become the global AI leader as early as 2030.

As part of its efforts to make this goal a reality, China approved more than 40 AI models in the past six months.

China's AI Rush: Over 40 Artificial Intelligence Models Approved

(Photo : Andrea Verdelli/Getty Images)
Cutting edge applications of Artificial Intelligence are seen on display at the Artificial Intelligence Pavilion of Zhangjiang Future Park during a state organized media tour on June 18, 2021 in Shanghai, China.

According to Yahoo Finance's latest report, the Chinese government approved more than 40 AI models for public use in the past six months. Chinese media claimed that Beijing did this as its way to keep up with the United States when it comes to AI development and integration.

This January, the Chinese state-backed Securities Times confirmed that the Chinese government granted approvals to 14 LLMs (large language models) so they can be used by the public.

This AI approval batch, which marks China's fourth batch of approval, includes 01.AI, 4Paradigm, and Xiaomi Corp. The Asian country had its first approval batch for AI models back in August 2023.

Among the first AI models that were approved for public use are LLMs developed and owned by Baidu, ByteDance, and Alibaba. In November and December 2023, Chinese regulators also granted more batches of artificial intelligence approvals.

Although the Chinese government didn't provide the exact number of approved AI models for public use, the Securities Times said on Sunday, Jan. 28, that China has already approved more than 40 LLMs and other AI models.

China's Growing AI Development

China's AI Rush: Over 40 Artificial Intelligence Models Approved as Beijing Tries To Keep Up With US — (Photo : Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
A boy points to the AI robot Poster during the 2022 World Robot Conference at Beijing Etrong International Exhibition on August 18, 2022 in Beijing, China. The 2022 World Robot Conference kicked off on Thursday in Beijing.

China and the U.S. are both at different levels in the ongoing AI race, as reported by The Guardian. Experts said that the growth of China's AI development in its society and digital culture has been noticeable over the past decade.

The Chinese government has been implementing artificial intelligence models in schools, factories, and office buildings ever since the global COVID-19 began.

Chinese workers are already using smart glasses and helmets. AI-powered robots and machines, as well as AI facial recognition integration in factories and offices, are now just common sights in the Asian country.

Because of this, although the United States seemingly has the upper hand, thanks to ChatGPT, tech researchers are doubtful who would win in the AI race between China and the U.S.