While announcing the repeal of the AI "guardrail rule," the U.S. has simultaneously rolled out tougher export control measures targeting China's AI development. Professor Yan Liang of Willamette University argues that strategic tech decoupling is accelerating – not easing. She foresees the emergence of "parallel systems": The U.S. will consolidate its own AI ecosystem, while China must chart an independent course. She also highlights China's significant advantages, including major investment funds, a vast pool of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduates, cost-competitive renewable energy, and immense market potential.