Summary of Key Points
During the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), Professor Omar Yaghi, the Nobel laureate in Chemistry for 2025, stated in an exclusive interview that China's AI technology and research capabilities are already among the best in the world. He emphasized that continuous increased investment in basic science is the key reason behind this achievement.
Detailed Analysis
Why is Professor Yaghi's assessment so significant?
Professor Yaghi is a top international scientist (Nobel laureate in Chemistry), and although his field is chemistry, basic science is fundamental to AI development. His recognition of China's AI capabilities goes beyond mere industry observations; it is based on the underlying principles of basic sciences. Such recognition from a global authority is more persuasive than mere industry reports, indicating that China's achievements in AI have gained international acknowledgment.
Where exactly does China's AI rank among the best in the world?
There's no need for complex data to prove this—our daily experiences speak for themselves:
- Wide range of applications: Face recognition for payments, real-time navigation, intelligent delivery scheduling, and AI-assisted medical diagnoses (such as CT image analysis) are all examples of how AI is being used in everyday life.
- Technical strength: Large models like Baidu Wenxin Yiyuan and Alibaba Tongyi Qianwen rival those of leading international companies (e.g., OpenAI) in areas such as language understanding and image generation.
- Data and patents: China has led the world for many years in terms of the number of AI-related papers published and patent applications, which means it has a substantial technological foundation.
These are concrete manifestations of being among the best in the world, not just empty claims.
Why is investment in basic science the key reason?
To use an analogy: AI is like a tall building, and basic science is its foundation. Without a solid foundation, even the most impressive structure will collapse.
What has China done in recent years?
- Funding: The government has increased funding for basic research year by year, significantly boosting resources for disciplines such as mathematics, physics, and computer science.
- Education: Universities have expanded AI-related programs to cultivate a large number of professionals with a solid understanding of fundamental theories.
- Infrastructure: China has established national laboratories for artificial intelligence and quantum computing, allowing scientists to focus on cutting-edge research (such as algorithm optimization and chip materials development).
It is these investments in the “foundation” that enable China's AI to not only have practical applications but also develop original technologies—such as Huawei's Ascend chips, which are a result of investment in basic science.
What makes this statement at WAIC particularly important?
WAIC is the premier global conference in the field of AI, equivalent to the “World Cup” for the industry. Professor Yaghi's praise for China's AI on this platform gives it international recognition, indicating that its influence extends beyond China and that China has a growing voice in the AI community.
Implications for China's future:
The competition in AI is a long-term one, and other countries (such as the United States and Europe) are also increasing their investment in basic science. If China focuses only on short-term applications (e.g., developing an AI app) while neglecting fundamental research, it may face limitations in the long run. For example, the issue of chip shortages is often due to a lack of breakthroughs in basic materials and physical principles.
In summary, Professor Yaghi's words serve as a reminder: China must continue to invest in basic science to maintain its lead in the AI race and avoid being constrained by others.
Final Conclusion
China's success in AI does not stem from taking shortcuts but from building a solid foundation in basic science. This is what truly constitutes core competitiveness.