Xi’s edge over Trump on AI
While Trump deregulates, China's AI lead is closing faster than Washington expects.
Why it matters
Policy and geopolitical strategy around AI regulation shape competitive outcomes between the US and China. This argues that light-touch regulation may accelerate short-term US dominance but risks ceding long-term advantage if China's state-directed approach outpaces fragmented American innovation.
The key facts
9 to knowTrump administration's anti-regulatory AI stance
China catching up in AI capability
US-China AI competition framed as regulatory strategy divergence
Published September 2026 (future-dated; verify currency)
Financial Times opinion/analysis piece
US deregulatory stance under Trump administration
China characterized as 'catching up' in AI capability
Regulatory/industrial policy as competitive lever
Geopolitical framing of AI development
Go to the source
Financial Times Technologyft.com
Publisher excerpt: The US president’s anti-regulatory stance fails to take into account that China is catching up