Russian President Vladimir Putin has mandated further collaboration between Russia and China in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
According to South China Morning Post, this strategic move aims to bolster both countries’ standings in the global tech arena, countering growing pressures from the US.
The directive from the Kremlin, revealed in a document dated Monday, specifically instructs the Russian government and Sberbank, the nation’s leading financial institution in AI development, to enhance their cooperative efforts with the People’s Republic of China. The collaboration is focused on technological research and the development of AI, reflecting a deepened commitment to securing a competitive edge in this crucial field.
Putin has assigned this significant task to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Sberbank CEO German Gref, with an expectation for a progress report by April. This development follows remarks made by Putin at the AI Journey tech conference in Moscow on December 11, where he highlighted China’s rapid advancements in technology, describing AI as a “crucial instrument” for development.
The call for collaboration is not just limited to advancements in technology. Putin also suggested the publication of an international journal to chronicle Russia’s progress and innovations in AI, indicating an effort to foster a broader understanding and exchange in the AI community.
This initiative coincides with ongoing challenges both Russia and China face regarding access to advanced semiconductor chips, vital for AI technology development. Both nations are navigating restrictions imposed by Western countries, which significantly impact their technological capabilities.
In response to the US’s imposition of export restrictions on vital chipmaking equipment and software in December, this collaboration could be a strategic move to circumvent technological constraints and foster innovation independently.
According to Alexander Vedyakhin, Sberbank’s first deputy CEO, Russia is slightly behind China and the US in AI development. However, he remains optimistic, projecting that Russia could substantially improve its international AI rankings by 2030 through domestic innovations and supportive regulatory frameworks.
Moreover, the establishment of an AI working group between Beijing and Moscow, following discussions between Russian Prime Minister Mishustin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Moscow last August, underscores the seriousness of their collaborative efforts. This group focuses on the ethical governance and industrial applications of AI, marking a significant step in their strategic tech alliance.
Copyright © 2025 RegTech Analyst
Copyright © 2018 RegTech Analyst
