Washington and Silicon Valley have found their common enemy: China

Washington and Silicon Valley have found their common enemy: China

Washington and Silicon Valley have found their common enemy: China

https://fortune.com/2026/03/26/dc-silicon-valley-common-enemy-china-hill-and-valley-forum/

Publish Date: 2026-03-26 04:15:00

Source Domain: fortune.com

  • AI as an Existential Battle: Silicon Valley executives and federal lawmakers at the Hill and Valley Forum agreed that the AI race is critical to national security, with many discussions centered around the competitive threat of China.
  • Concerns About Tech Export to China: There was significant concern over U.S. technology being sold or smuggled to China, highlighted by recent controversies involving companies like Nvidia. Lawmakers urged tech companies to keep advanced technology within the U.S.
  • Proposal to Regulate AI Exports: The GAIN AI Act, sponsored by Sen. Jim Banks, aims to force companies to prioritize domestic sales over exports to countries that pose strategic threats, particularly China.
  • Moral Imperative: Lawmakers and executives framed the AI race not just as a technological contest, but as a moral battle to maintain the American way of life, citing China’s alleged unethical approaches in acquiring AI technology.
  • Call for Constructive Partnership: Trae Stephens emphasized the need for collaboration between government and the tech industry to innovate and stay ahead of emerging threats, rather than strict regulation or complete deregulation.