Microsoft's Brad Smith Warns of China's Tech Rise

Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized that China is rapidly closing the technological gap with the West, stating that in many areas, China is either on par with or even surpassing the U.S. and Europe. Speaking at the Web Summit in Lisbon, he warned against the assumption that China is lagging, highlighting the impressive advancements he observed during visits to the country. Despite ongoing U.S.-China tensions and export controls, Smith noted that American companies can operate in China only when their services align with both the Chinese and U.S. governments' interests. He also predicted continued competition between the two nations in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, and called for collaboration between U.S. and European firms to drive innovation. Overall, Smith's remarks reflect a nuanced understanding of the shifting dynamics in global tech development.