Xi touts Brics cooperation on AI as US titans flag tech risks

President Xi's Brics AI push is more about diplomatic leverage than immediate technological breakthroughs. China aims to counter US tech restrictions by building a coalition of nations. This strategy provides access to markets and data, reducing reliance on Western AI ecosystems. The focus on large language models and training reflects a long-term play for influence.

For Asia, this initiative offers a potential alternative to US-dominated AI development. Countries like India and Indonesia could benefit from Chinese training and model cooperation. However, the test is whether Brics can deliver tangible AI products and services. China's own AI companies, like Baidu and SenseTime, could gain new international markets.

The thing to watch is the World AI Cooperation Organisation's actual projects. Its success depends on concrete joint ventures and shared intellectual property. If it only produces vague agreements, its impact on Asia's AI sector will be minimal. A true test will be a shared LLM that gains traction outside China by 2027.