The gap in artificial intelligence development between China and the United States has narrowed, according to the global artificial intelligence innovation index report released at the recent 2025 World AI Conference. Liu Shaoshan of the Shenzhen AI Institute called Washington's shift in attitude on China from AI competitor to partner a strategic pivot. For his part, Systematic Ventures CEO Max Wolff found the "louder and louder" U.S. communication strategy on AI as troublesome for global governance. Instead, he talked about open-source solutions to democratize AI benefits beyond elites. Prof. Zeng Yi of the Chinese Academy of Sciences said AI's future rests on collective navigation on an "Ark of Opportunity," not zero-sum thinking.