US or China? Why Kazakhstan refuses to pick sides as it eyes AI revolution

Kazakhstan's approach to developing its AI economy involves a nuanced engagement with both US and Chinese technology, despite a clear increase in Chinese commercial presence. The visible shift in the automotive sector, where Chinese electric vehicle brands are gaining market share previously held by South Korean competitors, demonstrates a practical, market-driven adoption of certain foreign technologies.

However, this commercial embrace does not appear to dictate Kazakhstan's entire technology strategy. The author's stated reason for visiting the country was to focus on an "American giant," rather than the expansion of Chinese tech. This indicates a potential dual-track approach: leveraging Chinese commercial offerings while possibly seeking American entities for more foundational or advanced AI development, thereby drawing on distinct strengths from each tech power.

This strategy highlights the challenges for middle powers in shaping their technological futures amid global competition. Kazakhstan seems to be pursuing a pragmatic path, where the adoption of commercially available Chinese goods coexists with strategic engagement with American firms for its AI ambitions. This allows the nation to access diverse technological resources without exclusive alignment, reflecting its stated aim to bridge, rather than choose a side in, the broader tech rivalry.