US asks other countries to help stop Chinese AI companies from taking US technology

Apr 25, 2026, 10:03
A2

US asks other countries to help stop Chinese AI companies from taking US technology

Introduction

The US State Department sent a message to its offices around the world. The message says that Chinese AI companies are taking US technology without permission. The US wants other countries to know about this problem.

Main Body

Distillation is a way to make a smaller AI model. It uses information from a bigger, more expensive model. This saves money. But the US says Chinese companies do this without permission. They also remove safety rules from the models. The US message names three Chinese companies: DeepSeek, Moonshot AI, and MiniMax. DeepSeek made a new model for Huawei chips. China wants to make its own AI technology. The Chinese government says the US claims are not true. The US tells its workers in other countries to talk about this problem. They also sent a special message to China. This happens before a meeting between President Trump and President Xi. The US message comes a few weeks before President Trump visits China. The two countries are competing in technology. They had a short time of peace before, but now tensions are high again.

Conclusion

The US is working hard to protect its AI technology. China says it does not steal technology. The two countries have different ideas about this problem.

Vocabulary Learning

government (n.)
the group of people who rule a country政府
Example:The government makes laws for the country.
message (n.)
a piece of information sent to someone訊息
Example:She sent a message to her mother.
permission (n.)
the act of allowing someone to do something允許；許可
Example:You need permission to enter the building.
problem (n.)
something that is difficult or causes trouble問題
Example:We have a problem with the computer.
technology (n.)
the use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes科技；技術
Example:New technology helps us communicate faster.

Sentence Learning

The US State Department sent a message to its offices around the world.
Prepositional Phrase: Use 'around the world' to show a global location.介詞短語：使用「around the world」來表示全球性的地點。
But the US says Chinese companies do this without permission.
Connector: Use 'but' to show a different or opposite idea.連接詞：使用「but」來表示轉折或相反的觀點。
The US tells its workers in other countries to talk about this problem.
Prepositional Phrase: Use 'in other countries' to provide context about the location.介詞短語：使用「in other countries」來提供關於地點的背景資訊。
This happens before a meeting between President Trump and President Xi.
Time Marker: Use 'before' to show that one event happens earlier than another.時間標記：使用「before」來表示某個事件在另一個事件之前發生。
They had a short time of peace before, but now tensions are high again.
Time Marker: Use 'now' to describe the current situation compared to the past.時間標記：使用「now」來描述目前的狀況並與過去作對比。
B2

US State Department Directs Global Diplomatic Campaign Against Chinese AI Firms Over Alleged Intellectual Property Theft

Introduction

The United States Department of State has sent a diplomatic message ordering a global effort to make known the alleged theft of intellectual property by Chinese artificial intelligence companies, including DeepSeek, through a process called model distillation. The message, dated April 24, instructs diplomats to inform foreign officials about the risks of using AI models that come from US proprietary systems and to prepare for future US government actions.

Main Body

The message defines distillation as a technique where smaller AI models are trained using outputs from larger, more expensive models, which reduces training costs. It asserts that unauthorized distillation campaigns allow foreign actors to release products that appear to perform similarly on certain tests at a lower cost, but do not match the full performance of the original system. Furthermore, the message claims that such campaigns intentionally remove security measures and mechanisms designed to ensure neutrality and truth-seeking in AI models. The message specifically names Chinese AI firms DeepSeek, Moonshot AI, and MiniMax. DeepSeek recently launched a preview of a new model adapted for Huawei chip technology, which highlights China's growing self-sufficiency in the AI sector. The White House has made similar accusations, which the Chinese Embassy in Washington described as baseless, repeating that Beijing takes intellectual property protection very seriously. Neither the State Department, DeepSeek, nor the Chinese Embassy responded immediately to requests for comment. The document, sent to diplomatic and consular posts worldwide, instructs staff to discuss concerns about adversaries' extraction and distillation of US AI models. A separate request and message have been sent to Beijing for direct talks with Chinese authorities. This message follows a warning from OpenAI to US lawmakers in February that DeepSeek was targeting US AI labs to copy models for its own training. The message was issued weeks before President Donald Trump's planned visit to Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. According to the source, this timing is expected to increase the long-term technological competition between the two nations, which had seen a temporary reduction in tensions after an improvement in relations arranged in October of the previous year.

Conclusion

The US State Department's global diplomatic effort shows the administration's increased focus on protecting US AI intellectual property from alleged Chinese distillation practices. The situation remains characterized by conflicting views, with US authorities claiming widespread IP theft and Chinese officials denying the allegations and stating their commitment to IP protection.

Vocabulary Learning

alleged (adj.)
claimed to be true but not proven / 聲稱的；涉嫌的
Example:The United States Department of State has sent a diplomatic message ordering a global effort to make known the alleged theft of intellectual property by Chinese artificial intelligence companies.
asserts (v.)
states something forcefully as true / 斷言；聲稱
Example:It asserts that unauthorized distillation campaigns allow foreign actors to release products that appear to perform similarly on certain tests at a lower cost.
distillation (n.)
the process of extracting or concentrating something, here a technique to train AI models using outputs of larger models / 蒸餾；提煉
Example:The message defines distillation as a technique where smaller AI models are trained using outputs from larger, more expensive models, which reduces training costs.
proprietary (adj.)
owned or controlled by a particular company, not freely available / 專有的；專利的
Example:The message instructs diplomats to inform foreign officials about the risks of using AI models that come from US proprietary systems.
unauthorized (adj.)
not officially allowed or approved / 未經授權的；未批准的
Example:It asserts that unauthorized distillation campaigns allow foreign actors to release products that appear to perform similarly on certain tests at a lower cost.

Sentence Learning

The message, dated April 24, instructs diplomats to inform foreign officials about the risks of using AI models that come from US proprietary systems and to prepare for future US government actions.
Relative clause with 'that' The clause 'that come from US proprietary systems' defines which AI models are risky. It helps specify the exact type of models.關係從句用 'that' 'that come from US proprietary systems' 這個從句說明了哪些AI模型有風險，有助於具體指明模型類型。
The message defines distillation as a technique where smaller AI models are trained using outputs from larger, more expensive models, which reduces training costs.
Relative clause with 'which' The non-defining relative clause 'which reduces training costs' adds extra information about the result of the technique. It connects the action to its consequence.非限定性關係從句用 'which' 'which reduces training costs' 這個非限定性關係從句補充說明了該技術的結果，將動作與其後果聯繫起來。
Furthermore, the message claims that such campaigns intentionally remove security measures and mechanisms designed to ensure neutrality and truth-seeking in AI models.
Passive voice with past participle 'designed to ensure neutrality' is a reduced passive relative clause (which were designed). It concisely describes the purpose of the measures.被動語態用過去分詞 'designed to ensure neutrality' 是簡化了的被動關係從句 (which were designed)，簡潔地描述了這些措施的目的。
The White House has made similar accusations, which the Chinese Embassy in Washington described as baseless, repeating that Beijing takes intellectual property protection very seriously.
Relative clause with 'which' + linking word 'repeating' The clause 'which the Chinese Embassy... described as baseless' provides contrast. The present participle 'repeating' adds a simultaneous action, showing the embassy's stance.關係從句用 'which' + 連接詞 'repeating' 'which the Chinese Embassy... described as baseless' 這個從句提供了對比。現在分詞 'repeating' 補充了同時發生的動作，顯示了大使館的立場。
According to the source, this timing is expected to increase the long-term technological competition between the two nations, which had seen a temporary reduction in tensions after an improvement in relations arranged in October of the previous year.
Relative clause with 'which' + passive voice 'arranged' The non-defining relative clause 'which had seen...' gives background context. 'arranged in October' is a reduced passive clause describing the improvement. This structure organizes complex time relationships.關係從句用 'which' + 被動語態 'arranged' 非限定性關係從句 'which had seen...' 提供了背景信息。'arranged in October' 是簡化被動從句，描述了關係改善的具體時間。這種結構組織了複雜的時間關係。
C2

US State Department Directs Global Diplomatic Campaign Against Chinese AI Firms Over Alleged Intellectual Property Theft

Introduction

The United States Department of State has issued a diplomatic cable ordering a worldwide initiative to publicize alleged intellectual property theft by Chinese artificial intelligence companies, including DeepSeek, through the process of model distillation. The cable, dated April 24, instructs diplomatic personnel to inform foreign counterparts of the risks associated with utilizing AI models derived from US proprietary systems and to prepare for subsequent US government actions.

Main Body

The cable defines distillation as a technique whereby smaller AI models are trained using outputs from larger, more expensive models, thereby reducing training costs. It asserts that unauthorized distillation campaigns enable foreign actors to release products that appear to perform comparably on certain benchmarks at a lower cost, but do not replicate the full performance of the original system. Furthermore, the cable claims that such campaigns deliberately remove security protocols and mechanisms intended to ensure ideological neutrality and truth-seeking in AI models. The cable specifically names Chinese AI firms DeepSeek, Moonshot AI, and MiniMax. DeepSeek recently launched a preview of a new model adapted for Huawei chip technology, underscoring China's increasing self-sufficiency in the AI sector. The White House has made similar accusations, which the Chinese Embassy in Washington characterized as baseless, reiterating that Beijing places high importance on intellectual property protection. Neither the State Department, DeepSeek, nor the Chinese Embassy responded immediately to requests for comment. The document, sent to diplomatic and consular posts globally, instructs staff to discuss concerns regarding adversaries' extraction and distillation of US AI models. A separate demarche request and message have been transmitted to Beijing for direct engagement with Chinese authorities. This cable follows a February warning from OpenAI to US lawmakers that DeepSeek was targeting US AI labs to replicate models for its own training. The cable's issuance occurs weeks before President Donald Trump's scheduled visit to Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. According to the source material, this timing is anticipated to heighten the long-standing technological competition between the two nations, which had experienced a temporary reduction in tensions following a rapprochement brokered in October of the previous year.

Conclusion

The US State Department's global diplomatic push highlights the administration's intensified focus on safeguarding US AI intellectual property from alleged Chinese distillation practices. The situation remains characterized by opposing positions, with US authorities asserting widespread IP theft and Chinese officials denying the allegations and affirming their commitment to IP protection.

Vocabulary Learning

adversaries (n.)
enemies or opponents / 對手；敵方
Example:The document instructs staff to discuss concerns regarding adversaries' extraction and distillation of US AI models.
demarche (n.)
a political step or initiative, especially in diplomacy / 外交行動；正式交涉
Example:A separate demarche request and message have been transmitted to Beijing for direct engagement with Chinese authorities.
distillation (n.)
the process of extracting the essential meaning or most important aspects; here, a technique for training smaller AI models using outputs from larger ones / 提煉；蒸餾（人工智能模型蒸餾技術）
Example:The cable defines distillation as a technique whereby smaller AI models are trained using outputs from larger, more expensive models.
proprietary (adj.)
relating to an owner or ownership; privately owned and controlled / 專有的；所有權的
Example:The cable instructs diplomatic personnel to inform foreign counterparts of the risks associated with utilizing AI models derived from US proprietary systems.
rapprochement (n.)
a resumption of harmonious relations / 和解；恢復友好關係
Example:The temporary reduction in tensions followed a rapprochement brokered in October of the previous year.

Sentence Learning

The cable, dated April 24, instructs diplomatic personnel to inform foreign counterparts of the risks associated with utilizing AI models derived from US proprietary systems and to prepare for subsequent US government actions.
Reduced Relative Clauses & Parallel Infinitives: The sentence employs two reduced relative clauses ('associated with utilizing AI models' and 'derived from US proprietary systems') that omit the relative pronoun and auxiliary verb, condensing information. It also uses parallel infinitive phrases ('to inform... and to prepare...') for balanced structure.句子使用了兩個縮減關係從句（「associated with utilizing AI models」和「derived from US proprietary systems」），省略了關係代詞和助動詞，使信息更緊湊。同時並列使用不定式短語（「to inform... and to prepare...」）以達到結構平衡。
It asserts that unauthorized distillation campaigns enable foreign actors to release products that appear to perform comparably on certain benchmarks at a lower cost, but do not replicate the full performance of the original system.
Contrastive Coordination & Relative Clause: The sentence features a contrastive coordination ('but do not replicate') within a complex that-clause, and a defining relative clause ('that appear to perform...') modifying 'products'. This structure highlights a nuanced comparison.句子在複雜的that從句中使用了對比並列結構（「but do not replicate」），並包含一個限制性關係從句（「that appear to perform...」）修飾「products」。此結構突出了細微的比較。
Furthermore, the cable claims that such campaigns deliberately remove security protocols and mechanisms intended to ensure ideological neutrality and truth-seeking in AI models.
Reduced Relative Clause & Nominalization: The phrase 'intended to ensure...' is a reduced relative clause (omitting 'which are') modifying 'protocols and mechanisms'. Additionally, 'ideological neutrality' and 'truth-seeking' are nominalizations that abstract complex concepts.短語「intended to ensure...」是縮減關係從句（省略了「which are」），修飾「protocols and mechanisms」。此外，「ideological neutrality」和「truth-seeking」是名詞化結構，將複雜概念抽象化。
DeepSeek recently launched a preview of a new model adapted for Huawei chip technology, underscoring China's increasing self-sufficiency in the AI sector.
Participial Phrase as Resultative: The participial phrase 'underscoring China's increasing self-sufficiency...' functions as a resultative adjunct, providing a consequence or additional commentary on the main clause. It adds lexical density and rhetorical effect.分詞短語「underscoring China's increasing self-sufficiency...」充當結果狀語，對主句提供結果或補充評論。它增加了詞彙密度和修辭效果。
The situation remains characterized by opposing positions, with US authorities asserting widespread IP theft and Chinese officials denying the allegations and affirming their commitment to IP protection.
Absolute Construction with Participial Phrases: The 'with' + noun + present participle structure ('with US authorities asserting... and Chinese officials denying... and affirming...') forms an absolute construction that provides background information and parallel actions, enhancing syntactic sophistication.「with + 名詞 + 現在分詞」結構（「with US authorities asserting... and Chinese officials denying... and affirming...」）構成獨立主格結構，提供背景信息和平行動作，增強了句法的複雜性。