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Researchers from the Paulson Institute say 38% of AI experts working in the U.S. studied at Chinese universities. The institute concluded that more Chinese AI experts work in the U.S. than those with strictly U.S. origins. According to Nikkei Asia, some industry experts worry that China could repatriate its students and researchers from the U.S. to strengthen its AI industry.
Some of the world’s top science and technology centers are in China. Tsinghua University in Beijing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, Hefei University of Science and Technology, and South China University of Technology in Guangzhou are just a few. They have something in common: They’re global leaders in technology, innovation, and applied science. Many of their students work in the U.S. Given the current climate, some U.S. experts worry about losing this highly skilled workforce.
China Wants to “Build a Strong Education Nation”
China’s education system is working. Xi Jinping’s administration recognizes that the country’s competitiveness in its struggle with the U.S. for global supremacy depends largely on scientific capabilities. In AI development—a crucial battleground for both superpowers—China is advancing at an astonishing pace. DeepSeek’s success highlights both the strength of China’s education system and the country’s growing competitiveness despite U.S. sanctions.
High-Flyer, DeepSeek’s parent company, employs Chinese researchers who studied at the country’s top universities.
High-Flyer, DeepSeek’s parent company, employs Chinese researchers who studied at the country’s top universities. Many come from the aforementioned institutions. The government knows it cannot afford to waste this talent, which is why it launched a national action plan in January to “build a strong education nation.” The goal is to consolidate this strategy by 2035.
But that’s not all. Several elite Chinese universities plan to expand curricula to prioritize the country’s strategic needs, and AI is a key focus. China already has plenty of scientific talent and will likely have even more in the coming years. DeepSeek plays a role in this strategy, as some universities already use the AI model for training courses. This plan doesn’t just affect university students—primary and secondary schools will also start training students in AI systems.
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