Editor's note: Huang Yongfu is a Special Commentator on economic affairs for CGTN. After earning a PhD in economics, he started his career at the University of Cambridge and then moved on to the UN system. His current interests lie in Sino-US links and global development. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," the fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) is currently being held in Beijing from June 22 to 26. The CISCE is expected to draw participants from across the world, reflecting the increasingly interconnected nature of modern supply chains at a time of rapid technological upheaval, intensifying geopolitical rivalry and profound transformations in the way people work and live.

A fragmented world calls for greater cooperation

On June 12, the US administration ordered Anthropic to block non-Americans from accessing Fable 5 and Mythos 5, its latest and most capable frontier models.

To maintain its lead in the global artificial intelligence (AI) race, the United States relies both on rapid self-improvement of leading AI models such as Anthropic and on export controls, access restrictions and chip curbs aimed at slowing potential competitors in Europe and China.

These restrictions on Anthropic's models appear inconsistent with the principle of open, transparent and mutually beneficial technological cooperation. They also highlight how access to frontier AI can be influenced by US government policies, which are shaped by both economic interest and national security considerations.

Many countries, including close US allies, are already vulnerable to Washington's pressure through trade measures, financial systems and technology controls. Al could become the most sensitive lever added to the list. If countries hope to shape a better future with AI, they must broaden cooperation and act collectively rather than risk being left behind.

An important partner to join hands with

The US is certainly not the only country capable of fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem. According to the Artificial Analysis, a benchmarking firm, DeepSeek V4 Pro, a Chinese open-source model, delivers roughly three-quarters the performance of Fable 5 while costing only about 1.5% as much.

Developing frontier AI models requires substantial time, capital and technical expertise, and success is far from guaranteed. For many countries, a more practical option may be to secure access to frontier models and technologies that already exist.

Intelligence transcends national borders, and China has increasingly emerged as an important partner through itd markets, technological platforms and innovation ecosystems.

China has been implementing its "AI Plus" initiative to promote the deep integration of AI and manufacturing, alongside the development of AI-focused industrial zones and data centers. The strategy has contributed to significant growth in AI-related hardware exports and patents. By the end of 2025, China ranked first globally in the number of valid AI patents, accounting for 60% of the world's total.

Through open-source platforms and collaborative ecosystems, China has helped make AI technologies more accessible, significantly lowering adoption costs for developing countries.

China's digital and intelligent solutions have been deployed in sectors ranging from smart mining operations in Tajikistan and intelligent urban management systems in Pakistan. Chinese large AI models are empowering fields such as bio-manufacturing and quantum technology, enabling researchers to explore innovative approaches to basic scientific research.

A significant platform for cooperation

This year's CISCE will, for the first time, feature a dedicated AI zone designed to showcase the sector's full ecosystem from data collection and computing power, to algorithms and real-world applications. The zone will bring together some of the world's most influential technology firms, including Nvidia, Intel, Qualcomm and Alibaba.

AI is a potentially world-changing technology, although it remains in its early stages. Industry leaders such as Bill Gates and Elon Musk have highlighted its transformative potential, while AI-related markets are already valued in the trillions of dollars.

Beyond AI, the CISCE covers a broad range of industries that shape cross-border supply chains, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital technologies and healthcare.

The expo is expected to cement its role as a key platform for cooperation between Chinese and global businesses, further underscoring both the enduring appeal of the Chinese market and the deep integration of global supply chains with China's manufacturing ecosystem.

According to the organizers, 676 companies, industry organizations and specialized enterprises from 85 countries, regions and international organizations have confirmed their participation. Foreign exhibitors account for 36.5% of all participants, while more than 65% are Fortune Global 500 companies or industry leaders. More than 160 new products, technologies and solutions are expected to make their debut during the event, alongside over 60 business exchange activities.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on X to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)