ChatGPT's "father" calls on the US to cooperate with allies to compete with China in the artificial intelligence race

On November 13, artificial intelligence technology startup OpenAI proposed that the United States and its neighbors should jointly establish a "North American Pact on AI." According to OpenAI, the pact would facilitate access to important resources such as talent, finance, and supply chains to promote the development and construction of advanced AI technology.

The company stressed that such a close cooperation system would not only help North American countries strengthen their position in the field of AI, but could also expand to form a “global network” of US allies and strategic partners. OpenAI believes that this network could include countries in many other important regions such as the Middle East, creating a broad alliance capable of promoting global AI development and competing more effectively on the international stage.

The proposal is part of OpenAI’s new policy blueprint, unveiled at an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC. It is the first time OpenAI has publicly detailed its proposals for how the United States can strengthen its leadership in AI, a field that requires heavy investment and a large energy infrastructure.

OpenAI’s new proposal not only highlights specific measures for the US to maintain its competitiveness against global rivals, but also mentions international cooperation to create a sustainable and secure AI ecosystem. OpenAI also points out that with the increasing energy demands of AI technology, cooperation and investment in energy resources will play a core role in the US’s long-term AI development strategy.

OpenAI argues that the US should support costly energy infrastructure projects by committing to buy electricity from these sources, allowing energy innovations to flourish. The company also recommends that the US government create a special “AI Economic Zone” to expedite permitting and support the reactivation of decommissioned nuclear reactors.

Additionally, OpenAI also proposes expanding America's nuclear power capabilities by tapping into technologies already developed by the US Navy, including compact nuclear reactors used to power submarines, which could be applied to industrial infrastructures that support AI development.

According to OpenAI, AI technology offers an invaluable opportunity to accelerate industrialization and create a wave of widespread economic growth, helping to restore and promote the development of the United States. At the same time, AI also plays an important role in national security strategy, protecting not only the United States but also its allies from the rise of China, through the development of AI systems that are consistent with democratic values, respect individual freedom and bring maximum benefits to all.

OpenAI’s leadership has previously attempted to raise billions of dollars from investors in the Middle East and other international markets to expand critical supplies such as chips, power, and data centers needed to develop AI technology. CEO Sam Altman has also met with U.S. government officials to convince them to join and support this expansion plan.

The latest proposal comes as the U.S. government prepares for a change in administration. President-elect Donald Trump has acknowledged the need to expand U.S. energy capacity to remain competitive in AI. He has also proposed easing licensing requirements and promoting fossil fuels and nuclear power as key solutions to meet growing energy needs.

At an event announcing the new policy on November 13, Chris Lehane, OpenAI's vice president of global affairs, said the startup has spent "a lot of time" talking with both the Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump's team about the urgent need for AI-enabled infrastructure.

Mr. Lehane emphasized that these discussions are not only about financial or technical issues, but also about cooperation strategies between the parties to promote the development of AI, ensuring the US maintains its leadership position in this field.

“I believe this will be one of the issues that the US Congress and the new administration will prioritize, because the risks involved are too great,” Mr. Lehane shared.