US Weighs Sanctions on Chinese AI Models Over Alleged IP Theft
Silicon & Steel

US Weighs Sanctions on Chinese AI Models Over Alleged IP Theft

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington could punish Chinese open-weight developers if probes confirm they distilled U.S. models, days after Moonshot's Kimi K3 rattled American labs.

Richard Miniter
By
First Published: July 22, 2026, 5:53 AM ET

CHINA — The United States could sanction Chinese artificial intelligence companies if it confirms their open models rely on stolen U.S. technology, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.