Beijing – The global race for artificial intelligence supremacy is intensifying, and according to Alibaba Cloud founder Wang Jian, China is leading the charge. In an interview with Bloomberg, Wang emphasized that the nation’s foundational AI models, such as Qwen and DeepSeek, already surpass OpenAI’s ChatGPT in capability, positioning China as a testbed for the world’s next wave of technological breakthroughs.
“Foundational models like Qwen and DeepSeek are much better than ChatGPT. So we really need to fund creative people to build applications for them,” Wang said, adding that the Chinese market plays a critical role in testing and maturing technologies before they reach global scale. His remarks underscore a broader narrative that while Silicon Valley may dominate headlines, China is shaping the infrastructure and ecosystem that will define the future of AI.
The competition, Wang noted, is not a sprint but a marathon. He argued that the collaborative yet competitive environment in China accelerates technological iteration, producing faster cycles of innovation. This perspective reflects Beijing’s wider industrial strategy: investing in AI not merely as a consumer application, but as a pillar of national competitiveness.
Wang was also critical of Silicon Valley’s talent strategy, particularly its escalating pay packages and aggressive recruitment tactics. “What’s happening in Silicon Valley is not the winning formula. We need the right talent, not expensive talent,” he said, stressing that early-stage innovation requires creativity and adaptability rather than costly star hires. His comments arrive at a time when Meta, OpenAI, and other American giants are locked in a poaching war for AI researchers, often driving salaries to unsustainable levels.
To illustrate China’s entrepreneurial dynamism, Wang cited Hangzhou, where he claimed “one out of every four or five people is a CEO.” This ecosystem of startups, coupled with strong local government support, has transformed Chinese cities into fertile grounds for testing and scaling emerging technologies. It is this mix of entrepreneurial ambition and structural support, he argued, that sets China apart from Silicon Valley’s more individualistic approach.
The underlying message is strategic. By focusing on foundational models, talent cultivation, and application ecosystems, China is building AI capacity that extends beyond consumer-facing tools like ChatGPT. Instead, the country aims to integrate AI into its broader industrial base, creating long-term resilience and influence in the digital economy.
As the AI race unfolds, Wang’s remarks highlight a crucial divide: Silicon Valley’s emphasis on scale and branding versus China’s methodical push for depth and application. Whether his prediction proves accurate, one fact is clear—Asia, and particularly China, is no longer just a follower in the AI revolution. It is actively shaping the future of how intelligence is built, deployed, and governed on a global scale.
