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Eric Schmidt: China's AI Ambitions Hindered by Funding Gap

12/5/2025

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Story summary

Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, warned at Harvard Kennedy School forum that a funding gap could limit China's AI ambitions.
He noted the United States has a robust capital market, while Chinese start-ups struggle to secure funding amid a weak economy and U.S. venture-capital restrictions in AI.
Analysts say private and state investors remain committed to AI, and government and Big Tech funding could compensate for reduced market-driven venture capital.

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Story summary

Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, warned at Harvard Kennedy School forum that a funding gap could limit China's AI ambitions.
He noted the United States has a robust capital market, while Chinese start-ups struggle to secure funding amid a weak economy and U.S. venture-capital restrictions in AI.
Analysts say private and state investors remain committed to AI, and government and Big Tech funding could compensate for reduced market-driven venture capital.