## U.S. Must Maintain AI Leadership Amidst Accelerating Chinese Progress
The United States currently holds a commanding position in artificial intelligence, but faces an increasingly competitive landscape as China rapidly advances its own capabilities, according to Michael Kratsios, former director of the White House Office of Science and Technology.
During an interview, Kratsios emphasized that while China’s innovation in AI is accelerating, particularly citing the recent development by DeepSeek, the U.S. maintains a lead across critical areas. He underscored this advantage stems from dominance in three key layers:
* **Chips/Semiconductors:** The U.S. possesses leading-edge chip technology.
* **AI Models:** American models are currently the most advanced.
* **Applications:** The U.S. has developed the best applications utilizing AI technology.
“If you look at all three of those layers, the U.S. is the leader,” Kratsios stated.
The Trump administration recognized this importance early on, signing the first-ever executive order prioritizing American leadership in AI as far back as 2019—before widespread public discussion around the topic. This commitment was further solidified with subsequent actions, including guidance for federal agencies to adopt AI technology and foster public trust.
Kratsios expressed concern that recent policy shifts under a different administration have moved towards an approach focused on potential harms rather than a balanced perspective – one that encourages innovation while mitigating risks. “There was a fixation on what I would call harms…versus having a balanced approach, where you try to minimize things that could go poorly, and more importantly, look at ways this technology can transform America for the better.”
To maintain its edge, the Trump administration is pursuing a two-pronged strategy: **promotion** and **protection.**
* **Promotion:** This involves accelerating technological development, encouraging adoption both domestically and internationally, and fostering partnerships with like-minded nations. The goal is to make American AI technology the preferred choice globally.
* **Protection:** This focuses on safeguarding vital resources—particularly advanced semiconductors – from falling into Chinese hands, recognizing that access to these technologies would significantly accelerate China’s own AI development.
“We protect that technology from access by the Chinese,” Kratsios explained.
Beyond strategic policy, continued investment in AI research and development is crucial. The administration also intends to streamline regulations hindering innovation and prioritize workforce training to ensure Americans can effectively leverage this transformative technology.
Kratsios warned of China’s potential for misuse, noting that “the PRC is probably one of the most sophisticated surveillance states in the world, and that is underpinned by their own artificial intelligence technology.” He believes preventing the Chinese government from accessing advanced AI resources is paramount to U.S. national security.
Looking ahead, Kratsios envisions a “golden age” for American technological advancement, aiming for ambitious goals like establishing an American presence on Mars, revitalizing supersonic flight, and utilizing AI to enhance worker productivity and safety across all industries.
“We want to put an American flag on Mars,” he declared.
