Technology, AI & Cyber
China accuses US AI firms of using Chinese models to train their own systems
China’s commerce ministry accused US artificial intelligence companies on Monday of using Chinese models while developing and training their own systems.
The ministry said “many American artificial intelligence enterprises” had used model distillation during research, development and training.
Distillation involves training one AI model using outputs or knowledge from another model.
The accusation came amid reports that the United States was considering restrictions on foreign-made open-source AI models, many of which are developed using distillation.
China’s statement did not identify any US companies or AI models, provide evidence supporting the accusation or include a response from the United States.
Update
China's commerce ministry said many American AI enterprises had distilled Chinese models during research, development and training.
AFP reported the comments came amid reports that the United States was weighing a ban or curbs on foreign-made open-source models often built through distillation.
Source note: AFP news report published on 27 July 2026 at 11:03:28 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The report did not identify the US companies, AI models or Chinese examples involved.
The report did not include evidence for the ministry's accusation or a US response.
The status, scope and timing of any possible US ban or curbs were not specified.
Source
AFP news report published on .