Who the U.S.-China AI Competition Leaves Behind

Who the U.S.-China AI Competition Leaves Behind

From The US-China Podcast by National Committee on U.S.-China Relations

June 18, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the U.S.-China AI competition and the differing perceptions and impacts of AI technologies on both populations.

As AI technologies become increasingly sophisticated, the United States and China are vying to win this technology competition. Both countries have different approaches and strengths in their development, deployment, and regulation of AI – the United States is recognized as leading in advanced AI development and China in industrial AI integration. Although perceptions of AI differ between people, companies, and the government in the United States and China, a shared anxiety exists among both populations over the effects this technology will have on their lives. Yi-Ling Liu joined us on June 10, 2026 to share similarities and differences between the ways people in the United States and China view AI and who the narrative of a U.S.-China AI race neglects. Further reading: Yi-Ling Liu's recent book The Wall Dancers: Searching For Freedom and Connection on the Chinese Internet traces the evolution of the Chinese internet, following entrepreneurs, activists, and artists as they navigate surveillance and censorship within the Great Firewall. Liu draws on years of firsthand reporting and interviews in China to examine online subcultures, shifting state policies, and tech innovations…

People in this episode

Guest: Yi-Ling Liu

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Wall Dancers: Searching For Freedom and Connection on the Chinese Internet

Places: United States, China

More episodes of The US-China Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The US-China Podcast podcast page.