CKGSB Unveils China's Strategic Position in the Global AI Race

BEIJING, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) has released a groundbreaking white paper titled 'China and the Global AI Race.' This comprehensive report delves into how China is harnessing its unique strengths to assert a leadership role in artificial intelligence.

According to CKGSB Dean Li Haitao, AI is not just a sector but the foundation of a new global economy. "China's role in this transition is increasingly strategic," Li emphasizes. The report, compiled from insights by CKGSB faculty and industry experts, examines China's AI strategy through four key areas: open-source revolution, workforce transformation, intelligent robotics, and AI ecosystem development.

A significant highlight of the paper is the disruptive impact of open-source AI, exemplified by the DeepSeek R1 model. This model offers powerful performance at lower hardware costs, potentially reshaping the U.S.-China tech competition. Professor of Strategic Management Teng Bingsheng notes, "China may not need to engage in a chip war to the same extent. Companies will use engineering innovations to bypass computational capacity limitations, presenting a significant opportunity."

The report also explores the human dimension of this technological shift. AI is reshaping leadership and the workforce, creating demand for new skills. CKGSB Dean's Distinguished Chair Professor of Information Systems Sun Tianshu introduces the concept of 'AI Architects'—business leaders focused on integrating intelligence into core operations. "The challenge is no longer about access to intelligence, but about how to integrate it effectively," Sun explains.

Robotics is identified as the next pivotal area for growth. Sun observes, "The physical world will become the space of highest potential for AI development in the next few years." CKGSB alumnus Li Mingyang, Chairman of Jaka Robotics Co., adds, "China already has an advanced smart vehicle industry, which is well-suited for the mass production of core components for robotics."

These insights collectively paint a picture of a country not just participating in the AI race but actively shaping its future. The white paper, 'China and the Global AI Race,' is an essential guide for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone interested in the trajectory of 21st-century technology and economic power. The full report is available for download on the CKGSB official website.

The findings of this white paper underscore the strategic importance of China in the global AI landscape, offering valuable insights into the future of technology and economic influence.