Lawmakers push to exclude Chinese AI systems from federal agencies

On June 25, 2025, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers convened to discuss the strategic implications of artificial intelligence in the context of a growing rivalry with China. They expressed concerns about the rapid advancements made by Chinese technology firms, most notably a start-up called DeekSeek, which has recently introduced an AI model that competes with existing platforms from major players like OpenAI and Google. Despite U.S. restrictions on key technologies and chips, many witnesses at the Capitol Hill hearing highlighted how China is closing in on the U.S. in AI capabilities, exacerbating fears of falling behind in a crucial technological race. During the hearing, Rep. John Moolenaar, the Republican chair of the House Select Committee on China, proclaimed that the U.S. must establish firm boundaries regarding the use of AI developed in authoritarian regimes, emphasizing its potential to influence the future balance of global power. The discussion spotlighted views from experts, including Thomas Mahnken, who argued that the competition between the U.S. and China over AI technologies involves a long-term strategy that could dictate the political landscape for years to come. With the stakes being exceptionally high, the consensus was clear: America needs to take swift and decisive action against the proliferation of Chinese AI systems within its government. In response to the growing concern, Clark urged Congress to maintain rigorous export controls on advanced semiconductor technology. He indicated that computing power is essential for both nations' aspirations in the AI arena and that easing restrictions might give China an advantage in developing harmful AI applications. As such, lawmakers heard accounts of current gaps in U.S. export controls that have allowed China to procure crucial chips that are controlled under existing regulations. To combat this issue, a proposal was introduced this year that aimed to create a system for tracking these technologies effectively. Ultimately, the legislative body reinforced its commitment to ensuring that Chinese AI systems do not infiltrate federal agencies, positing that such technology represents a threat to U.S. interests. In a climate that witnesses the intersection of technology and international relations, lawmakers have decided to prohibit these 'hostile AI systems' from operating within the government, a reflection of a wariness that characterizes the emerging Cold War-style competition in technology.