Why China accused US of ‘AI hegemonism’: Moonshot AI dispute explained

Fresh tensions emerged between the United States and China on Monday after Beijing warned it would respond if Washington imposed sanctions or trade restrictions on Chinese artificial intelligence companies over alleged theft of American technology. China also criticised new US tariffs on its exports, saying the measures reflected protectionism and could hurt efforts to stabilise trade ties between the world’s two largest economies.

The dispute came just months after both countries sought to ease trade tensions. While officials on both sides have kept communication channels open, disagreements over artificial intelligence, intellectual property and trade policies continue to test the relationship.