<br><br>**US Steers APEC Towards AI Funding and Fisheries Tech Countering China's Influence in the Asia-Pacific**<br><br>As the Trump administration promotes American artificial intelligence (AI) exports and maritime surveillance technology at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, it is clear that Washington is seeking to counter Beijing's technological and maritime influence. The US government has launched a $20-million fund to support the adoption of American AI technologies by partner economies in the region, aimed at strengthening US leadership in emerging technologies.<br><br>**US Commitment to Promoting AI Technologies**<br><br>As the senior official to APEC, Casey Mace emphasized that the Trump administration is committed to promoting American AI technologies globally. This initiative comes ahead of President Donald Trump's expected visit to China in April and China's hosting of APEC's annual leaders' summit in Shenzhen in November, events likely to spotlight intensifying US-China competition over technology and economic influence across the Asia-Pacific.<br><br>**China's AI Governance**<br><br>China is actively seeking to narrow its technological gap with the US in advancing artificial intelligence-related sectors. However, Beijing's lack of advanced chipmaking tools has hindered China's AI progress. The Chinese government's vision for AI governance aims to enable authoritarian repression, raising concerns about the potential for CCP propaganda and censorship.<br><br>**Maritime Surveillance Technology**<br><br>The United States is also using APEC to promote American private-sector technologies designed to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Pacific. Ruth Perry, acting principal deputy assistant secretary of state for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, highlighted China's 18,000-strong distant-water fleet as a major concern.<br><br>**The Challenges of Illegal Fishing**<br><br>China's distant-water fleet poses enforcement challenges for smaller coastal states. The US is developing technologies such as satellite vessel tracking, artificial intelligence-based analytics, acoustic detection systems, and sensor-equipped ocean buoys to help governments monitor fishing activity. Illegal fishing is frequently linked to other transnational crimes including forced labor, trafficking, and smuggling.<br><br>**The Need for Action**<br><br>As the US works to promote its AI exports and fisheries tech, it is clear that Washington is determined to assert its prerogative in shaping the technological landscape of the Asia-Pacific. The consequences of inaction are dire, with illegal fishing threatening food security and maritime sovereignty in parts of the Pacific.<br><br>**Conclusion**<br><br>As APEC meetings continue to highlight the intensifying competition between the US and China over technology and economic influence, it is crucial for governments and stakeholders alike to understand the implications of these developments. The Trump administration's commitment to promoting American AI technologies and maritime surveillance technology serves as a reminder that the prerogative of action lies with those who are willing to invest in shaping the future of emerging technologies.<br><br>**Recommendations**<br><br>1. **Foster Global Cooperation** Encourage international collaboration on AI governance, acknowledging the need for collective efforts to address the challenges posed by these technologies.<br>2. **Support Sustainable Fisheries** Promote sustainable fishing practices and develop innovative technologies to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Asia-Pacific region.<br>3. **Invest in Emerging Technologies** Continue to invest in emerging technologies like AI, renewable energy, and advanced materials to drive innovation and economic growth.<br><br>By recognizing the importance of AI funding and fisheries tech, we can work towards a more sustainable future for the Asia-Pacific region.
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