Replying to Avatar Peter Alexander

China Afternoon Missive

When it comes to China, there’s no such thing as a “coincidence”. The very week that Trump announces “Stargate” with a price tag set at $500billion, the Chinese announced competitive AI platforms. There was DeepSeek and now ByteDance has released its own AI model; Doubao.

These platforms are considered by those using them fast, effective and cheaper. So much for Washington’s “small garden, high fence” policy of containing China’s tech ambitions.

No question, at least given my experience, that this was a not so subtle shot across the bow for the new Trump team and perfectly timed for full effect.

Have a watch of this CNBC clip and the sense of concern is palpable.

https://youtu.be/MozJ43LMR6I?si=d8-mMqswhp43M8ai

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Diego Valley 11mo ago

Always enjoy your takes. Years ago there used to be a story (false) that NASA spent millions designing a pen to work in space and Russia used a pencil. Seems like it could end up being true in the AI arms race

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Peter Alexander 11mo ago

Much appreciated. No idea how any of this will play out, but I push hard to communicate broadly that it is critical to neither overestimate nor underestimate China’s ability to adapt.