China’s elite universities are going to prioritize degrees tied to the country’s strategic needs. Even primary and secondary schools will begin training their students in AI. DeepSeek is its best asset

Collaboration by Juan Carlos López

According to a group of researchers from the Paulson Institute in Chicago (USA), 38% of artificial intelligence (AI) experts currently working in the U.S. were educated in Chinese universities.
In fact, this American institution has concluded that there are more Chinese AI experts in the U.S. than professionals of strictly American origin. This, according to Nikkei Asia, concerns some industry experts due to the possibility that China may decide to repatriate its students and researchers from the U.S. to strengthen its AI industry.

Some of the best centers dedicated to science and technology in the world are located in China. Tsinghua University in Beijing, Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, the University of Science and Technology in Hefei, and the South China University of Technology in Guangzhou are just a few.
They all have something important in common: they are world-renowned institutions in technology, innovation, and applied science. And many of their students are currently working in the U.S. Given the current situation, it is understandable that some American experts are concerned about the possibility of losing such highly qualified personnel.

China Wants to “Build a Strong Educational Nation”:

The Chinese educational system works. The government led by Xi Jinping is fully aware that the country’s competitiveness—in the midst of its rivalry with the U.S. for global supremacy—largely depends on its scientific capabilities. If we focus on AI development, which is undoubtedly the battleground where these two superpowers are playing their best cards, it is clear that China is advancing at an astonishing pace.
The success of DeepSeek supports both the effective functioning of the Chinese educational system and the high level of competitiveness the country has achieved despite U.S. sanctions and those of its allies.

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Juan Carlos López is a prominent Colombian journalist, born in Bogotá, who has served since 1993 as a correspondent and anchor for CNN en Español in Washington, D.C.
He currently acts as bureau chief and hosts key programs such as Directo USA and Choque de Opiniones, where he interviews high-profile figures — including U.S. presidents and secretaries of state — and provides in-depth political analysis.