Is China really stealing AI from American companies?
indianexpress.com Sep 27, 2026

Is China really stealing AI from American companies?

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

For nearly two years, U.S. AI firms such as Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google have accused Chinese companies of copying their technologies through a process called “distillation.” The accusations gained prominence during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington, where the U.S. and Chinese leaders discussed AI’s rapid growth and associated risks. While U.S. executives and officials called for a slowdown, Chinese startups like Z.ai and Moonshot are rapidly advancing. Experts argue the claims are exaggerated, noting that distillation is a legitimate technique for creating efficient models rather than outright theft.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The dispute underscores how AI innovation is becoming a flashpoint in U.S.–China relations, potentially reshaping global tech competition and influencing policy on intellectual property and national security.