Archive · 19 Aug 2026
China Urges Digital Sovereignty in Artificial Intelligence Race
China and the United States are competing to lead in artificial intelligence, or AI.
A report said the United States might ask other countries to choose between it and China.
China said countries should control their own digital affairs.
This idea is called digital sovereignty.
Chinese spokesperson Lin Jian said countries should not be forced to take sides.
He also said countries should not create groups, or camps, around AI.
He made these comments at a regular briefing.
The briefing took place in Beijing on August 19.
China called for respect for each country’s digital sovereignty.
The statement followed a report that the United States would ask countries to choose sides in the artificial intelligence race with China.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China opposes taking sides on artificial intelligence.
China also opposed forming camps around artificial intelligence.
Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, August 19.
- Who
- China, represented by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, and the United States are involved in the reported AI rivalry.
- What
- China urged respect for digital sovereignty and opposed countries taking sides or forming camps in the artificial intelligence competition.
- When
- Wednesday, August 19.
- Where
- Beijing, at a regular Chinese Foreign Ministry briefing.
- Why
- The statement followed a report that the United States would ask countries to choose sides in the AI race with China.
China’s Position
Reported U.S. Position
International AI alignment
China’s Position
China opposes countries taking sides or forming camps in the artificial intelligence race.
Reported U.S. Position
A report said the United States would ask countries to choose sides in its AI competition with China.
Digital sovereignty
China’s Position
China urged respect for each country’s digital sovereignty.
Reported U.S. Position
The article does not provide a direct U.S. response to China’s call for digital sovereignty.
- Main issue
- Digital sovereignty and international alignment in the artificial intelligence race
- China’s position
- Countries should not be pressured to take sides or form camps on AI
- Reported U.S. approach
- A report said the United States would ask countries to choose sides with China
- Chinese spokesperson
- Lin Jian
- Location
- Beijing
- Date
- Wednesday, August 19