Research on the Cognitive Characteristics of U.S. Think Tanks Regarding China’s Artificial Intelligence and Its Implications

Abstract

Artificial intelligence, as a key driver of the new wave of technological revolution, has become a focal point in global strategic competition. This study analyzes strategic reports published by U.S. think tanks regarding China’s AI development to explore their cognitive characteristics and developmental trends, providing insights for China to formulate response strategies.[Method/Process] 78 representative reports from nine U.S. think tanks were selected as samples. By employing topic modeling methods (LDA and DTM) and textual analysis, the core themes of the reports were categorized and their evolution analyzed. The study systematically examined the U.S. think tanks’ AI strategies regarding China from three dimensions: innovation drivers, security governance frameworks, and the construction of international discourse power. It also compared the differences in strategic characteristics between the Trump and Biden administrations.[Result/Conclusion] The study found that U.S. think tanks’ AI strategies concerning China exhibit comprehensiveness and interdisciplinarity, with a focus on innovation development in areas such as education, technology research, economic markets, and national security, as well as on security governance frameworks including ethics, legal regulations, and social impacts. While think tanks during the Trump administration were guided by Cold War thinking, those under the Biden administration shifted toward technological governance and global rule competition. Based on the cognitive characteristics of U.S. think tanks, it is recommended that China enhance intelligence analysis, strengthen independent technological innovation, and promote international dialogue and cooperation to safeguard its technological advantages and global discourse power.