Tesla CEO Elon Musk praised China’s work on artificial intelligence at a Thursday event in the country.
Speaking via video to attendees at the state-run World Artificial Intelligence Conference, Musk encouraged Chinese developers to continue advancing the technology. “I admire the wisdom and determination of the Chinese people,” he said. “As long as the Chinese people decide to be good at something, including AI.” Tesla’s CEO went on to predict that the country’s artificial intelligence capabilities would be “very strong.”
Musk’s comments come at a time of heightened competition in the global automotive market. According to research by Alix Partners, Chinese vehicles will make up the majority of the country’s annual new car sales for the first time in 2023, ending the undisputed reign of foreign manufacturers. Analysts also say that China’s rate of technological innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence is higher than that of other countries. But while automotive brands may be worried about their shrinking market share, they still play a significant role in the country’s economy. Tesla is no different. Not only does the company have a large factory in Shanghai, but it is looking to tap into the region’s growing electric vehicle market at a time when local competitors such as BYD are threatening to overtake American businesses. Room. The EV business itself is betting on the success of self-driving software based on advances in artificial intelligence.
The conference, where the Tesla boss spoke, also comes at a time of escalating political tensions between the US and China over artificial intelligence and automotive retail. The Biden administration has sought to limit the nation’s ability to buy semiconductors, though it’s unclear whether these policies will have an impact in the long term. On the other hand, China has refused to abandon its allies such as Russia despite the outcry of Western countries over President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. As long as the two countries are not at odds, Musk and other domestic automakers will need to stay on the good side of both sides as they depend on China for labor, resources and consumers.
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