China Plans Pilot Zones for AI Development as US Prepares Sensitive-Tech Export Controls

China plans 20 national pilot zones to promote artificial intelligence development and manufacturing, reported the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Thursday. The sites will be located across the country, including in the “Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta,” the report said. The U.S. Commerce Department is considering export controls on emerging technologies -- including AI -- to limit countries from gaining access to sensitive technology (see report, Oct. 25). The Chinese Embassy in Washington didn't comment Friday.