Restrictions on the movement of AI experts, whether in China or the US, will not significantly hamper AI development in the immediate future. Historically, technology races—such as those in nuclear energy, semiconductors, and space exploration—have accelerated advancements rather than hindered them. AI, in particular, is characterised by collaboration, with open research, shared datasets, and cross-border knowledge transfer driving rapid progress.
A compelling example of cross-border leverage is distillation, where large AI models trained in one environment are optimised for deployment in another. This technique allows innovations developed in one country to be efficiently adapted elsewhere, reducing the impact of geographic restrictions on expertise. Similarly, in the past, global talent mobility restrictions have led to the rise of distributed research hubs, ensuring that breakthroughs continue.
In the immediate term, limitations on AI expert travel may affect conference interactions and direct knowledge exchange, but they are unlikely to halt AI progress. Instead, AI collaboration will find new modes of engagement—whether through virtual platforms, international partnerships, or decentralised research teams.
