The Artificial Intelligence War: US-China Rivalry and the Path to Technological Dominance by Muslims

News:

The Wall Street Journal reported on 17 February 2025, “DeepSeek hasn’t sunk Nvidia’s NVDA 2.63% increase; green up pointing triangle prospects for a big year. But more-grounded hopes should still prove advantageous to the artificial-intelligence giant as it navigates a tricky road ahead.

The panic sparked by the Chinese AI startup’s revelations last month cost Nvidia nearly $750 billion in market cap in a little over a week’s time. The stock has recovered some since, but is still down about 6% as of Friday’s close compared with the Nasdaq’s flat performance over the same period.” (wsj)

Comment:

Reacting to the Chinese surge in AI, the cowboy Trump has escalated state engagement. The United States has long pursued a policy of containing China, restricting its rise beyond its region in every way, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor innovation. From Huawei’s telecommunications dominance to DeepSeek’s AI breakthroughs, and from semiconductor advancements to cutting-edge nanochips, this rivalry represents a global competition for technological dominance.

To curb China’s progress, the US has imposed numerous sanctions on its information technology and semiconductor industries. Under Donald Trump, key Chinese firms were blacklisted, and the restrictions were tightened further under Joe Biden. In October 2022, Biden banned global nanochip makers from selling advanced technologies to China, escalating tensions. His administration later imposed even stricter sanctions. Regardless of whether it is Biden or Trump in power, the policy to curb and contain China has remained steadfast and unchanged.

In spite of these ongoing restrictions, China recently achieved a breakthrough with DeepSeek’s AI model “R-1” which accomplished in just $6 million, what US tech giants failed to achieve with billions. China also successfully developed a 3-nanometer chip, a milestone previously dominated by Taiwan’s TSMC. While US companies rely on vast supercomputers with 16,000 advanced chips, DeepSeek achieved similar results using just 2,000 older Nvidia chips, demonstrating efficiency over sheer hardware power.

This technological shift led to a huge financial loss for US companies including, Nvidia, America’s leading nanochip manufacturer. It provoked a clear state intervention. On 31 January, U.S. President Donald Trump met the CEO of Nvidia and discussed DeepSeek.

However, China’s strategy does not extend beyond economic competition. While China actively participates in the global economic arena, its approach remains largely defensive within its own region, prioritizing stability and strategic economic expansion over confrontational dominance.

The rise of the US and China in technology highlights the crucial role of the state in driving innovation and progress. As Muslims, we must break the status quo and reclaim our rightful place at the forefront of technological advancements by re-establishing the Islamic state. It is our duty to lead the world in every sphere, as Allah (swt) states in the Noble Quran,

[هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُۥ بِٱلْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ ٱلْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُۥ عَلَى ٱلدِّينِ كُلِّهِۦ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ ٱلْمُشْرِكُونَ]

“Allah (swt) is the One who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the Deen of truth, so that He makes it dominant over all other ways of life however much idolaters may be averse.” [Surah As-Saff: 9].

A key element in leading the world is a strong military industry, which includes continual advances in technology. Allah (swt) said,

[وَأَعِدُّوا لَهُمْ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ مِنْ قُوَّةٍ وَمِنْ رِبَاطِ الْخَيْلِ تُرْهِبُونَ بِهِ عَدُوَّ اللَّهِ وَعَدُوَّكُمْ وَآخَرِينَ مِنْ دُونِهِمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَهُمُ اللَّهُ يَعْلَمُهُمْ]

“And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows” [TMQ Surah Al-Anfal: 60]. For centuries, Muslims dominated military industry, which itself was a catalyst of industrial development in general. The Khilafah Rashidah (rightly guided Caliphate) will do so again, by the Permission of Allah (swt)

The return of the Khilafah Rashidah will unify the lands of Muslims, consolidating its immense resources to develop cutting-edge technology and attain complete self-reliance. It will challenge the dominance of global powers, ensuring that Islam once again leads the world with justice and strength. A strong leadership under the Khilafah is not just a political necessity but a Shariah obligation upon the community (jamaa’ah) of Muslims.

Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by
Zakariyah Imran – Wilayah Pakistan