Chinese Citizens Show Higher AI Adoption Than Americans

A Morgan Stanley survey reveals a significant gap in artificial intelligence adoption and perception between China and the United States. Approximately 80% of Chinese respondents use AI weekly, compared to 54% of those in the U.S.

While American tech leaders frequently warn of existential threats to humanity, discourse in China focuses on operational control, social disruption, and the prevention of malicious use. Chen Yixin, China's intelligence chief, recently advocated for AI as a strategic industry for economic development. However, he warned that the technology could threaten political security and remain subject to foreign monopolistic practices.

DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng noted that U.S. restrictions on advanced AI processors and lower capital investment have created a gap between Chinese and American AI labs. Analysts suggest China's pro-AI sentiment stems from rapid commercial integration and a belief that the one-party state can effectively regulate corporate power to mitigate risks.