Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO and AI competitiveness researcher, stated in May that US chip export controls targeting China are beginning to fail. Speaking at an AI expo hosted by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), Schmidt said China has developed AI models matching US performance using inferior hardware and open-source technology. The gap between Chinese and US AI capabilities has narrowed from one to two years ago to less than six months, which Schmidt described as equivalent to "seconds" in AI development timelines. Schmidt had previously supported the chip export control policy during his tenure on the US National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, but now acknowledges its diminishing effectiveness as China leverages alternative technological approaches to advance its AI industry.
Schmidt Acknowledges Chip Export Controls Losing Effectiveness
At the SCSP-hosted AI expo in May, Schmidt disclosed that he "personally strongly supported" the high-end AI chip export restrictions to China during his time on the US National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. However, he stated the policy "has now begun to fail." Schmidt explained that China has built systems with performance comparable to mainstream US AI models despite using hardware specifications inferior to those available in the United States.
China Narrows AI Gap to Under Six Months
Schmidt stated that one year ago, the gap between Chinese and US AI models was approximately one to two years. He said this gap has now shrunk to less than six months. "In our [AI development] world, this is almost equivalent to a tiny gap of seconds," Schmidt stated. From a market competition perspective, he acknowledged that the US faces a strong competitor in the AI industry.
Schmidt Expresses Concerns Over Open-Source AI Development
Schmidt identified China's AI industry as primarily relying on open-source technology. "I very much dislike this, as it means it is largely uncontrolled, including by us [the United States]," he stated. Schmidt noted that open-source technology facilitates faster dissemination and innovation. He suggested that if Europe does not invest substantial resources in building its own models, it may ultimately adopt Chinese technology. Schmidt also raised concerns that open-source development could lead to privacy and national security issues.
FAQ
What did Eric Schmidt say about US chip controls on China in May?
Eric Schmidt stated in May at an SCSP AI expo that US chip export controls targeting China are beginning to fail. He said China has developed AI models matching US performance using inferior hardware and open-source technology.
How much has the AI gap between China and the US narrowed according to Schmidt?
Schmidt said the gap between Chinese and US AI models was one to two years ago, but has now narrowed to less than six months, which he described as equivalent to "seconds" in AI development terms.
Why is Schmidt concerned about open-source AI technology?
Schmidt stated he dislikes that China's AI industry relies on open-source technology because it is "largely uncontrolled, including by us [the United States]." He raised concerns about potential privacy and national security issues from open-source development.
