Sen. Bernie Sanders Faces Criticism Over AI Collaboration with China

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is under fire for his interactions with Chinese officials in the AI sector. Critics assert that his proposed policies might undermine the U.S.’s competitive edge in the global artificial intelligence landscape.

Sanders, who aligns with Senate Democrats and identifies as a democratic socialist, is slated to address a rally where he will be joined by Xue Lan, a professor at Tsinghua University, which is linked to the Chinese Communist Party, and chairman of the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Governance Expert Committee. Another key participant is Zeng Yi, from the Beijing AI Safety Governance Research Institute, also associated with the same committee. Max Tegmark from MIT is expected to emphasize “the existential risks of AI and international cooperation” at the event as well.

Critics, including figures from the White House, data centers, and tech think tanks, argue that Sanders’ approach could hinder the necessary infrastructure development that keeps the U.S. on top in AI advancements. The senator may face more intense backlash for coinciding with Chinese officials who advocate for their government’s AI governance model.

Former President Trump has previously warned that America must not fall behind China in this crucial field.

“I think Sen. Sanders’ fears about AI might be exaggerated, yet I respect his concerns,” noted Michael Sobolik, a China policy expert. He believes that while asking questions about safety and societal impact is vital, aligning with adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party is not the way to go.

Representative Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.) highlighted Tsinghua University’s connection to China’s governing body, reflecting on China’s previous actions that blocked foreign acquisitions in AI. “This is the same China that undermined Meta’s attempts to acquire Manas AI under questionable circumstances,” he remarked, criticizing Sanders for wanting to collaborate with those who restrict American interests.

Responses on social media indicate discontent, with some commentators finding it hard to digest Sanders’ reliance on Chinese leadership in AI policy.

In March, Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez unveiled the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act, proposing an immediate halt on new AI data centers until Congress establishes a wider regulatory framework. While Sanders’ office indicated that the bill aims to slow down AI development, he has expressed concerns about AI threatening jobs, privacy, and even democracy.

Some Democrats were skeptical of this approach, with Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) deeming it “stupid” at an AI summit, warning that it could give China an upper hand.

The Data Center Coalition’s Cy McNeil warned that such a moratorium could restrict access to digital services, negatively impacting American competitiveness. The Center for Data Innovation similarly argued that long-term fears don’t justify halting data center developments.

Both Xue Lan and Zeng Yi support governance models that could enhance China’s influence over global AI regulations, which contrasts sharply with the U.S.’s competition-based framework. Yi has argued for mandatory safety and ethical standards while helping develop UNESCO’s AI Ethics Recommendation, regarded as the first global standard on AI ethics.

In this landscape, experts warn that China’s top-down approach to AI, while advantageous for their regime, could threaten the innovative spirit that the U.S. has long championed. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie pointed out that America’s model is generally more efficient in the long term.

Guthrie also commented on the ongoing race, emphasizing the critical stakes involved. He expressed concerns that China’s pursuit of advanced technologies is aimed at strengthening its surveillance state, posing a significant threat to U.S. security.

Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) asserted that defeating China in AI doesn’t necessitate adopting stricter regulations but rather calls for outpacing them in innovation, which could create jobs and boost economic growth.