Why China's AI Strategy Just Might Work — With Grace Shao

Grace Shao is a Hong Kong-based writer and analyst, and author of AI Proem on Substack newsletter. She joins Big Technology Podcast to discuss China's rise in artificial intelligence, and whether (and how) it can be a global player. Tune in to hear how China's AI startups are rapidly productizing cutting-edge tech, why it keeps developing open-source models, and why it's surging in robotics. We also cover AI agents like Manus, chip shortages, and the entrepreneurial resurgence transforming Chinese tech culture. Hit play for an essential conversation on China’s AI ambitions and their global implications. You can read more from Grace here: https://open.substack.com/pub/aiproem Chapters 00:00 China's AI Landscape: An Overview 02:08 DeepSeek: A Turning Point for Chinese AI 06:01 The Role of Open Source in AI Development 10:04 Consumer vs. Enterprise: China's AI Strategy 17:56 China's Competitive Edge in AI Products 24:02 Cultural Factors Driving AI Adoption in China 33:01 AI Reluctance and Productivity Enhancement 34:49 China's Entrepreneurial Spirit and AI Competition 37:32 Impact of Geopolitical Tensions on Chinese Tech 40:38 Government Support for AI and Tech Innovation 42:19 Cultural Significance of Scholars in China 48:17 Advancements in Humanoid Robotics 53:41 The Six Dragons of Hangzhou 59:11 The Rise of AI Agents and Their Implications 01:02:27 Chip Shortages and the Future of Chinese AI