The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has voiced strong opposition to the recent joint advisory issued by US security agencies, calling the accusations against Chinese AI firms completely unfounded and a clear case of double standards.
In response to a media query, a ministry spokesperson stated that the claim of Chinese companies engaging in "industrial-scale" distillation of American frontier models lacks both factual and legal basis. The move is seen as an attempt to politicize and weaponize a standard industry practice for commercial advantage, while simultaneously applying inconsistent standards.
The announcement from the US National Security Agency (NSA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is viewed as further proof of Washington's efforts to enforce technological hegemony and computing power monopolies in the AI sector, aimed at stifling competition. Beijing firmly rejects this approach.
The spokesperson emphasized that distillation is a common and neutral technique used globally for model-to-model learning, helping to improve efficiency and better utilize human knowledge. It is a positive driver for developing AI industries, unleashing technological potential, bridging development gaps, and benefiting developing nations and society at large. For this reason, Washington's actions are a typical display of hypocrisy.
China maintains an open-source, collaborative, and sharing philosophy in AI development. Chinese open-source models are accessible to global firms, including those in the US, and have facilitated research and development for many. Interestingly, reports from US companies themselves have acknowledged distilling Chinese models on a large scale. Despite this, Washington repeatedly singles out Chinese enterprises for criticism, misrepresenting common industry practice as an attack, which reflects both its anxiety and its double standard.
This latest action is seen as a move to enact industrial monopoly under the pretext of targeting distillation. By having security agencies issue the statement, Washington is tying the interests of individual corporations and capital to national security, using state power to interfere in normal commercial activities.
The ministry noted that some US AI firms abuse their competitive position by imposing restrictive clauses, such as broad geographical limitations, in user agreements. The current accusations appear to be an attempt to endorse these unfair practices.
This year has seen frequent threats from US executive and legislative bodies to sanction Chinese enterprises over distillation. The core objective is to suppress competition and preserve America's monopoly on computing power and data. This approach aims for a scenario where only the US benefits, preventing shared global progress, turning publicly accessible AI resources into a private hoard, and blocking other nations from participating in the inclusive sharing of AI innovation.
The large model industry is currently at a critical juncture of technological iteration, inherent risk, and rapid growth. As major nations, China and the US should adopt a responsible attitude to address the challenges and risks in AI. In the spirit of the agreement between their leaders to initiate an intergovernmental AI dialogue, China is willing to engage in constructive and professional discussions with the US based on principles of equality, mutual benefit, and a win-win approach. However, if Washington persists in suppressing Chinese AI firms under the guise of anti-distillation, Beijing will take firm countermeasures. Washington is urged to work with China to manage risks through dialogue and communication, ensuring the AI industry benefits people worldwide.