The article provides a fascinating glimpse into China’s strategic maneuvering in the global AI standardization arena, framed within its National Innovation System (NIS). It's a sharp reminder that in emerging technologies like AI—where no firm global norms yet exist—the power to define standards is essentially power to shape the future.
China’s approach signals a maturity shift from simply innovating within borders to aggressively pushing technology diffusion through standard-setting. This isn’t just about technical specs; it’s about geopolitical influence and market control. The fact that China targets ‘Global South’ countries for international standardization cooperation reflects a savvy, long-term vision to cultivate allies and markets outside the traditional Western sphere.
Yet, the article rightly points out China’s challenges: a relative lag in foundational AI research and obstacles posed by US restrictions. This dynamic interplay highlights how technological innovation is entwined with politics. The recent US pivot away from a rules-based order ironically opens a window for China to advance its standards agenda—a twist that demonstrates how fluid and complex technology diplomacy has become.
For enthusiasts and skeptics alike, this analysis encourages a pragmatic view: setting AI standards isn’t just a technical exercise but a strategic battle for influence. The take-home is clear—whoever writes the standards drafts the playbook for AI development globally. We should watch carefully whether China’s blend of government coordination, open-source promotion, and targeted international outreach will recalibrate the global AI landscape. As always, innovation won’t just be about what’s smartest technically, but also what’s smartest politically and economically. It’s a high-stakes chess game with AI as both the prize and the playing field. Source: Strategic technology competition revisited: A National Innovation System rationale for China's
