There have been studies that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has “abruptly cancelled” the continuing collection of conferences between a bunch of US congressional staffers and Emirati AI agency G42, after some US lawmakers raised considerations that this apply could result in the switch of superior American AI know-how to China.

Nonetheless, a congressional spokesperson, who offered this info, selected to stay nameless on account of inside committee coverage, as reported by Reuters.

The order was given immediately by the UAE’s ambassador to the US, who halted the conferences between staffers from the Home Choose Committee on China and G42, in addition to varied Emirati authorities officers. This growth solely provides gasoline to the fireplace of excessive tensions surrounding the scrutiny of G42 amid a $1.5 billion settlement with Microsoft. Some US congresspeople are already fearful about delicate know-how stepping into the arms of a UAE agency that reportedly has Chinese language ties.

The committee’s spokesperson expressed elevated considerations relating to the G42-Microsoft deal because of the UAE’s unwillingness to interact in talks. “Anticipate Congress to turn into extra concerned in overseeing these negotiations,” the spokesperson mentioned.

The cancelled conferences could sign a diplomatic disaster because of the elevated consideration of China hawks in Congress. The efforts of those lawmakers to intently scrutinise the G42-Microsoft deal have notably sparked controversies. Members of Congress are targeted on making certain that delicate AI developments and merchandise ensuing from the settlement won’t be diverted by the Emiratis to China.

The State Division gave no remark, whereas G42 directed the media to the Emirati authorities. The UAE embassy spokesperson introduced that the scenario resulted from a “miscommunication,” as they had been notified of the workers delegation simply the day earlier than their deliberate arrival. The embassy emphasised its common engagement with committee members and staffers in latest months, asserting that the committee has been stored knowledgeable about joint UAE-US efforts to strengthen management over crucial superior applied sciences.

The congressional staffers had deliberate these conferences as a part of a regional go to from July 16-19. Their agenda included discussions on the switch of subtle chips from firms like Nvidia to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, in addition to US-China tech competitors.

Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba cited a July 11 letter from committee chairman John Moolenaar to US Nationwide Safety Advisor Jake Sullivan as the explanation for the cancellations. This letter, co-signed by Home Overseas Affairs chair Michael McCaul, requested a White Home intelligence briefing on Microsoft’s funding in G42 earlier than the deal might progress to its second section, which might contain transferring export-restricted semiconductor chips from Nvidia and complex AI mannequin weights.

The Biden administration has taken a constructive view of the G42-Microsoft deal, stating that G42’s severance from China’s Huawei has been a serious constructive issue for the deal. Nonetheless, final 12 months, the administration additionally imposed sweeping curbs on AI chip exports, requiring licenses for shipments below a extra restrictive coverage than the earlier Trump administration. Moreover, the coverage of limiting exports to China requires licenses for exports to the UAE and another Center Jap nations.

It’s famous {that a} regional go to by a congressional delegation passed off, throughout which they met with Saudi officers who expressed a need to alleviate US firms’ considerations concerning the actions of the Chinese language authorities in Saudi Arabia. Their objective was to acquire permission to import superior American chips.

The extent of interplay between US and different nations’ authorities illustrates the hyperlink between technological innovation, worldwide political relationships, and nationwide safety points.

See additionally: UAE unveils new AI mannequin to rival huge tech giants

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