Washington, Jan 20 (NationPress) US legislators and former national security officials have expressed grave concerns regarding the escalating artificial intelligence race between the United States and China, deeming it a significant national security issue. The advanced AI chips are critical to modern warfare, intelligence, and economic supremacy.

During a session of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, experts testified that the outcome of the AI competition will influence military supremacy over the next decade and determine if the United States can maintain its technological advantage against China.

Committee chairman Congressman Brian Mast conveyed the urgency of the situation, stating, “Securing victory in the AI arms race is crucial for America’s national and economic security.” He emphasized that the result of this competition will directly impact the military standing of the United States in comparison to China.

Artificial intelligence is already integral to military command, surveillance, cyber strategies, and nuclear advancements. Mast added, “Dominance in AI can dictate who detects threats first, who makes critical decisions first, and who initiates strikes first.”

Former US National Security Adviser Matt Pottinger cautioned against granting China access to sophisticated American AI chips, claiming it would expedite Beijing’s military enhancements. “Providing Nvidia’s H200 chips to China will significantly boost their military capabilities,” he stated, highlighting applications in cyber warfare, autonomous drones, and intelligence activities.

Pottinger also pointed out that China’s “military-civil fusion” strategy blurs the lines between civilian and military applications of advanced technologies. “There’s no compartmentalization between civilian and military use,” he clarified.

Former Biden administration official Jon Finer remarked that AI has emerged as the most critical battleground in US-China rivalry, warning against any sense of complacency. “The most fiercely contested domain that will ultimately determine the victor in this competition is technology,” he asserted.

Finer added that China perceives artificial intelligence as the essential technology to support its economic and military aspirations, asserting that export restrictions on advanced chips and semiconductor manufacturing tools are crucial in hindering Beijing’s advancements.

Experts noted that despite substantial state subsidies, China’s inability to produce advanced semiconductors at scale remains a significant limitation. Pottinger referenced statements from Chinese leaders acknowledging their gaps in essential AI technologies and the necessity to “face up to the gap.”

To bridge this gap, China is actively seeking to acquire advanced foreign chips. “China is relentlessly striving to catch up and surpass us,” Pottinger warned.

Lawmakers also expressed worries that private Chinese tech firms obtaining US chips often collaborate closely with the government. Pottinger mentioned companies like DeepSeek, Alibaba, and Tencent as examples of businesses connected to China’s broader military goals.

The hearing revealed a bipartisan consensus that AI policy has transcended theoretical discussions about commercial innovation. “These chips have real implications for warfare, weaponry, and casualties,” Mast stated, advocating for congressional oversight similar to that applied to arms exports.