US Agencies Accuse Chinese AI Firms of Model Distillation; Beijing Responds

Phoenix News — China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed recent U.S. allegations at a regular press briefing on September 9. Three U.S. agencies, including the NSA, issued a joint statement on September 8 accusing six Chinese AI companies of unauthorized "distillation" of U.S. AI models to extract proprietary knowledge, claiming the practice could affect U.S. AI strategy.

Mao Ning said she had not reviewed the specific report but noted that China's AI development is the result of high-level technological self-reliance and is based on principles of broad consultation, joint contribution, shared benefits, and open cooperation. She called on all parties to strengthen cooperation to promote open and inclusive AI development for the benefit of all humanity.

"We hope the U.S. side will earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and refrain from making unfounded accusations against China. Both China and the U.S. are major AI powers and should strengthen cooperation," Mao Ning said.