Russia and China's AI Alliance: A New Technological Frontier

President Vladimir Putin has directed Russia's government and Sberbank to enhance collaboration with China in artificial intelligence. This move aims to bypass Western sanctions that limit Russia's access to crucial technologies, seeking support from BRICS and non-Western countries to challenge U.S. dominance in AI.

President Vladimir Putin has ordered an alliance between Russia's state apparatus and its largest bank, Sberbank, to strengthen cooperation with China in artificial intelligence.

The Kremlin revealed these instructions on Wednesday, following a declaration made by Putin three weeks prior about joining forces with BRICS and other nations to advance AI initiatives. He mandated the Russian government and Sberbank to ensure expanded collaboration with China in AI research and development.

Western sanctions aimed at cutting Moscow's technological supply have hindered its AI progress by stopping major microchip exports to Russia. Former Sberbank CEO German Gref noted the difficulty in replacing graphics processing units, crucial for AI development. In response, Russia is turning to non-Western partners to counter U.S. leadership in this strategic field. Putin announced plans for an AI Alliance Network to unite experts from BRICS and other countries. Despite these efforts, Russia ranks 31st in global AI readiness according to Tortoise Media's Global AI Index, trailing behind major players like the U.S., China, as well as BRICS peers India and Brazil.

(With inputs from agencies.)