Interview: China-U.S. innovation cooperation creates shared opportunities -- Silicon Valley entrepreneur

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Steve Hoffman, CEO of Silicon Valley-based startup incubator Founders Space, said he remains optimistic about China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, citing the two economies' complementary strengths and broad potential for collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Hoffman said he sees particularly strong potential for cooperation in AI.

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's just-concluded state visit to the United States, the two sides agreed to establish China-U.S. AI dialogue to exchange views on AI-related risks and benefits, with the next round to be held in November. A communication channel for AI-related incidents will also be set up.

"As CEO of Founders Space and someone deeply involved in AI, I see President Xi Jinping's visit as an important step forward," Hoffman said. "I was encouraged that AI was discussed at the presidential level."

"At Founders Space, I have always believed that cross-border collaboration drives the most transformative breakthroughs, and the progress made between the United States and China on AI is a vital step forward," he said.

"Establishing formal channels to manage high-stakes risks proves both nations recognize AI safety as a shared global responsibility rather than a zero-sum game," he added.

Hoffman noted that competition between China and the United States does not have to preclude cooperation, adding that the two countries could work together in areas such as AI safety, scientific research, open-source AI and responsible AI deployment.

"The United States and China will have a major role in shaping the future of technology, so continued dialogue and cooperation are important," Hoffman said.

He also pointed to the potential for cooperation between Chinese and American entrepreneurs, saying their different strengths can create opportunities that would be difficult to develop within either market alone and lead to "genuine win-win outcomes."

"The most successful collaborations are never one-sided," Hoffman said. "They happen when each side understands what the other side needs and then finds a structure where both can succeed."

"Innovation is increasingly global," he said. "Trying to force innovation back inside national borders would be extremely difficult and, in many cases, counterproductive."

In his work advising large companies on AI strategy, Hoffman said he has seen some companies turn to Chinese open-source models to maintain greater control over their data.

"Open models also allow entrepreneurs, researchers, and smaller companies to participate in the AI revolution," he said.

Looking ahead, Hoffman said China and the United States could continue working together in areas of shared interest, including AI safety, scientific research, climate change and global economic stability.

"That is ultimately what I want to see more of: practical cooperation that turns differences into new opportunities for both sides," Hoffman said.