CGTN Poll: 83.5% say US is shifting to tech protectionism

From chip supply cutoffs to model bans: is a zero-sum mindset accelerating the decline of US technological hegemony? The US, citing "national security," is considering tighter rules on Chinese AI companies and related tech imports. A CGTN survey shows 83.5% of global internet users are concerned the US is shifting from openness to tech protectionism, and that this could undermine global AI development.

The value of artificial intelligence (AI) lies not just in advancing individual countries or companies, but in unlocking global innovation through open collaboration. Open-weight models have significantly lowered barriers to AI adoption, enabling more countries, businesses, and developers to participate at a lower cost. 89.6% of respondents believe AI models must be open to evolve, through use, feedback from a broad user base and collaboration.

However, the US is weighing curbs on Chinese AI including a ban on Chinese open-source models. In response, 89.7% called for AI-related intellectual property disputes to be resolved through international rules, not unilateral sanctions. 90.1% said the so-called "China AI model threat" narrative is about Washington trying to maintain absolute control over the AI ecosystem, not security. Another 88.7% believe AI innovation should be built on humanity's collective scientific and research achievements, rather than being monopolized by any single country.

The US has long invoked "national security" and "intellectual property" concerns to impose export controls, investment reviews and sanctions; measures that hinder global tech exchange and undermine its own innovation ecosystem. Recently, the "Little tech association" whose members include nearly 200 Silicon Valley startups, urged the government not to cut off US companies' access to Chinese open-weight AI models, arguing that they are vital for innovation and startup growth. 

Echoing that, 82.1% of respondents believe restricting other countries' AI development or limiting open models could harm the entire AI ecosystem and global innovation. 86.2% said open cooperation and sharing of technological achievements, not decoupling, would better advance AI innovation.

The survey was published on CGTN's English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian platforms, attracting 4,717 votes and responses from internet users within 24 hours.