US Policies on Research and AI: A Boon for China, Warns Expert

In a recent statement, Helen Toner, a former board member of OpenAI and current Director of Strategy at Georgetown's Center for Security and Emerging Technologies (CSET), expressed grave concerns over the U.S. administration's policies targeting academic research and international talent. According to Toner, these actions represent a 'great gift' to China in the ongoing competition for artificial intelligence (AI) supremacy. This statement was made during a discussion on June 8, 2025, highlighting the complex dynamics between the United States and China regarding technological advancements in AI.

Toner, who served on the board of OpenAI from 2021 until 2023, emphasized the critical role that foreign talent, particularly from China, plays in the U.S. workforce. She stated, "The way that the U.S. is currently attacking scientific research and foreign talent is a big boon to China in terms of competing with the U.S." This perspective is underscored by the fact that many international students contribute significantly to innovation and research in the United States.

The discourse surrounding the potential job displacement due to generative AI technologies has also intensified. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, recently projected that AI could lead to a 50% reduction in entry-level white-collar jobs and potentially 20% unemployment within the next five years. Toner remarked that while Amodei's projections may seem 'aggressive,' the disruption in the job market has already commenced. She noted that AI systems currently excel at tasks typically assigned to interns or recent graduates, indicating a shift in labor dynamics.

Toner's research at CSET focuses on the implications of AI in various sectors, including military, workforce, biosecurity, and cybersecurity. She pointed to recent developments, such as the success of the Chinese generative AI model DeepSeek, as evidence of China's serious push in AI technology, despite U.S. chip export controls aimed at limiting China's access to advanced computing power.

Moreover, the chaotic leadership changes at OpenAI, including the firing and subsequent rehiring of CEO Sam Altman, have drawn international attention. Toner was part of the board during a tumultuous period that saw significant shifts in leadership and strategic direction. Time magazine acknowledged her influence in AI, naming her one of the Top 100 most influential people in AI in 2024.

The implications of these developments extend beyond mere corporate dynamics; they reflect the broader geopolitical contest for technological leadership between the U.S. and China. Toner argued that the U.S. must reconsider its approach to research and international talent if it hopes to maintain its competitive edge in AI.

In conclusion, as the landscape of AI continues to evolve, stakeholders must grapple with the consequences of current policies on innovation and workforce dynamics. The race for AI supremacy is not just a technological challenge; it is also a political and economic imperative that will shape the future of both nations. Toner remains cautiously optimistic about the potential for AI to contribute positively to society, particularly in fields like drug discovery and transportation, where it can significantly reduce risks and improve outcomes. However, she warns against the 'gradual disempowerment to AI,' where society may relinquish essential control to automated systems without fully understanding the implications. As these discussions continue, the future of AI in the U.S. and its role in the global arena remains a critical area of focus.