Blockade and Breakthrough: China-U.S. Artificial Intelligence Technology Competition Under Chip Control Policies

Abstract

In recent years, the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence technology has driven global industrial transformation and emerged as a central domain of strategic competition among major nations. By implementing multi-stage and multi-level chip export control policies against China, the United States has endeavored to restrict the development of China's artificial intelligence technology. This study systematically reviews the three-stage evolution of U.S. chip control policies toward China since 2018, analyzes its two main characteristics, and evaluates the actual effects of these policies in terms of short-term suppression and long-term backlash. It also points out that although U.S. controls have hindered China's high-end chip imports and AI R&D progress in the short term, they have objectively stimulated Chinas efforts to achieve breakthroughs in various areas, including independent chip innovation, computing power efficiency optimization, supply chain restructuring, and the construction of international rule-making power. Through pathways such as software-hardware collaborative innovation, policy-industry synergy, and international ecosystem co-construction, China has gradually weakened the impact of U.S. technological blockade. This study not only reveals the dynamic game mechanism between technological control and independent innovation, but also provides theoretical frameworks and practical insights for Chinas strategic approach to artificial intelligence.