Asia Leaves EU in the Dust: China, Japan, and Indonesia Go All-In on AI as Europe Ties Its Laces
Asia is sprinting ahead in the global artificial intelligence race while the European Union falls further behind, with China pushing for UN-led AI governance, Japan sending 30,000 young scientists abroad, and Indonesia warning its students to master AI or get left behind.
China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Singapore are setting ambitious AI goals, while the EU struggles with strict regulations and slower investment [175198]. In Shanghai, China launched its first top-level laboratory for photonic computing—using light instead of electricity to process data—to bypass US chip export restrictions and power AI systems more efficiently [171150]. Meanwhile, a global survey by Public First found that in 11 of 15 nations, at least 40% of respondents believe China leads the AI race, but the same poll showed China scores lowest on trust, reliability, and data privacy [174189].
Japan has announced a plan to send 30,000 young researchers overseas to study AI and quantum computing, aiming to close a critical skills gap and boost domestic innovation [174142]. In Indonesia, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka urged students and teachers to master AI, calling the skill essential for future competitiveness and warning that those who fail to adapt risk falling behind in the global economy [174655].
China released a white paper calling for a new UN-led body to govern AI and outer space, warning of “resurging militarism” and demanding greater representation for developing nations [174775]. Beijing positioned itself as a champion of rule-making for emerging technologies, arguing that without a UN framework, competition could lead to conflict [175181]. Back home, many Chinese graduates are turning to intensive AI bootcamps after finding that universities teach theory but not the practical skills employers demand [171986].