The recommendation was part of a report released on Tuesday by the bipartisan U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), which called on Congress to grant extensive multiyear contracting authority to support AI, cloud computing, and data center innovations.
The recommendation was part of a report released on Tuesday by the bipartisan U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), which called on Congress to grant extensive multiyear contracting authority to support AI, cloud computing, and data center innovations.
In its executive summary, the report urged Congress to "establish and fund a Manhattan Project-like program" dedicated to developing and securing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). AGI refers to advanced AI systems capable of performing any intellectual task a human can, posing transformative potential across industries.
The reference to the Manhattan Project highlights the urgency of the initiative, drawing a parallel to the World War II effort that produced the first nuclear weapons. According to the report, China’s strategic focus on emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and battery energy storage poses significant competition. The commission warned that if China succeeds in these areas, it could undermine U.S. economic strength, military deterrence, and stability in the Pacific while altering the global balance of power.
Amid rising geopolitical tensions, the commission also recommended that Congress direct the Secretary of Defense to prioritize AI projects of critical national importance.
The timing of these recommendations coincides with the U.S. government's increasing measures to curb China's access to sensitive technologies. On Monday, the Treasury Department finalized a rule limiting U.S. investments in certain Chinese tech sectors, building on President Biden’s executive order aimed at preventing American investments that could boost China's military or intelligence capabilities.
U.S.-China tensions have escalated over various issues, including sanctions on Chinese officials, semiconductor restrictions, TikTok's security concerns, and Taiwan. In May, President Biden ordered the closure of a Chinese-operated cryptocurrency mine near a Wyoming nuclear missile base, citing national security risks.
The USCC, established in 2000, monitors and reports to Congress on the evolving U.S.-China trade and economic relationship.
Sara Montes de Oca is the Editor in Chief of TechEchelon. Previously a correspondent and producer in Washington, D.C., covering business, finance, and politics.
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