Google DeepMind CEO Warns: China's AI Just 'Months Behind' US

• Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis states Chinese AI models are only 'months behind' US and Western counterparts, challenging previous beliefs.
• Hassabis's remarks on CNBC's The Tech Download highlight a rapid narrowing of the AI gap over the last couple of years.
• China's progress was evident with DeepSeek's powerful AI model last year, which performed strongly despite using less advanced chips.
• While Chinese firms are catching up, Hassabis questions their ability to create entirely new breakthroughs beyond existing frontiers.
• US export restrictions on advanced semiconductors pose a challenge for Chinese firms, potentially widening the gap again, though Hassabis emphasizes innovation mindset.

Why It Matters: China's AI development is rapidly catching up to the US, narrowing the gap to mere months.