The Business Times
business-time-50

The US and China’s AI race will define the century

The rivalry is not just technological – it will also spill over into broader geoeconomics

Summarise
阅读简体中文版 (beta)
    • The release of DeepSeek-R1 in January 2025 was, for many observers, a demonstration that hardware disadvantage need not mean capability disadvantage.
    • The release of DeepSeek-R1 in January 2025 was, for many observers, a demonstration that hardware disadvantage need not mean capability disadvantage. IMAGE: REUTERS

    Leon Hadar

    Published Thu, Jun 4, 2026 · 05:00 PM

    FEW rivalries in modern history have carried as much consequence as the one now unfolding between the US and China over artificial intelligence.

    Unlike previous technological competitions – the space race and the nuclear arms build-up – this one is not confined to a single domain.

    AI is a general-purpose technology: one that involves semiconductors, scientific research, military affairs, global markets and the everyday lives of billions.

    Artificial IntelligenceChinaUS-China relationsUS-China tech war

    TRENDING NOW

    Higher Singapore dollar rates should support the net interest margins of DBS, OCBC and UOB.

    Fed hike throws Singapore banks a margin lifeline; UOB most likely to feel impact

    From left: Pham Nhat Quan Anh, Pham Nhat Vuong, Pham Thu Huong and Pham Nhat Minh Hoang. The couple (centre) remain senior figures in Vingroup, with their children’s presence in the ecosystem growing.

    He built the Vingroup empire. Now South-east Asia’s richest man is handing some key roles to his sons

    Desmond Sim’s resignation comes almost 18 months after the merger of ETC and OrangeTee to form Realion.

    Real-estate veteran Desmond Sim quits from CEO roles at Realion, ETC

    Chagee's flagship store at VivoCity. The milk-tea brand is pivoting away from a franchise-heavy structure towards greater direct ownership.

    Chagee, Mixue and Luckin won the market. Sustaining their edge is the harder part

    Latest T-bills Treasury Bills Results & Interest NewsLatest SSB Singapore Savings Bonds NewsLatest COE Certificate of Entitlement News
    Latest Johor-Singapore SEZ NewsLatest BTO Build To Order & Sales of Balance NewsLatest STI Straits Times Index NewsLatest SGX Dividends, Share Price NewsLatest Bonds Market NewsLatest Singapore Stocks To Buy NewsLatest Singapore Economy News
    View More