# China Might Lap US in AI Adoption

> China's AI strategy outpaces US through multilateral partnerships.
- Title: China Might Lap US in AI Adoption · Foreign Policy | Shortify
- Summary: China's AI strategy outpaces US through multilateral partnerships. China's AI cooperation model offers practical support to developing nations while US…
- Keywords: china, waico, pax silica, ai adoption, ai cooperation, ai training, Might, Lap, Adoption, Foreign Policy
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/07/china-us-open-source-ai
- Author: Kenton Thibaut, Kat Duffy
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: china, ai, us, waico, pax silica, ai adoption, ai cooperation, ai training
## China and US AI Strategies
Washington emphasizes strategic competition and market dominance with a full-stack AI export package.
## China's Collaborative Approach
Beijing promotes AI as a development priority with locally owned models and training for middle- and low-income countries.
## World AI Cooperation Organization
29 countries signed WAICO in July with plans for 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing nations over five years.
## China's AI Partnerships
China announced AI application centers with BRICS, ASEAN, African Union, and Arab League for developing countries.
## US AI Initiatives
Washington launched Pax Silica to secure AI supply chains with support from approximately two dozen partners.
## US Policy Constraints
US officials drafted a letter stating membership in Pax Silica could not coexist with other AI initiatives.
## China's Open Stance
China defends countries' right to choose AI partners based on development needs without excluding other partnerships.
## Global Alignment
Finland, Norway, and 19 other nations urged global collaboration to address emerging AI risks on Sept. 21.
## AI Dependency Risks
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warned about foreign AI dependency on data governance and service access.
## First-Mover Advantage
The country that best supports partner nations in connecting AI infrastructure and models gains first-mover advantage.
## US-China AI Cooperation
Any agreement on AI safety risks would require US to accept partner nations' collaboration with China.
## China's Position
Beijing is better positioned to answer how AI adoption will work globally than Washington.
## AI Adoption Strategy
China's model focuses on practical support for developing nations while US emphasizes market dominance.
## Global AI Cooperation
Governments need AI systems that work with their data, meet local requirements, and remain affordable.
## What Happens Next
The world will see what agreements US and China make on managing AI risks and their impact on global adoption.
## Key takeaway

China's AI cooperation model offers practical support to developing nations while US focuses on market dominance.