Image credit: The Byteline

There’s hardly a week without artificial intelligence (AI) making headlines—especially since Donald Trump’s return to the White House. As the AI Everything summit wraps up in Dubai, the global spotlight now shifts to Paris, where the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit (AIAS) kicks off on Monday.

With representatives from 80 countries, including world leaders, tech giants, academics, and AI pioneers, the two-day gathering aims to chart the course for one of the most transformative technologies of our time. But while the official agenda focuses on progress and policy, one name looms large over the summit: DeepSeek.

China’s AI Disruptor Shakes Up the Race

China has just thrown a curveball into the AI arms race with DeepSeek, a super-efficient and rapidly viral AI assistant. As excitement (and concern) grows over its potential, some are beginning to question whether the U.S.—despite its deep pockets and AI infrastructure—can maintain its dominant position for much longer.

With momentum building, the timing of the back-to-back AI summits in Dubai and Paris couldn’t be better.

Europe, too, sees a chance to stake its claim in the AI power struggle. A senior official in French President Emmanuel Macron’s administration described the summit as a "wake-up call" for both France and the broader EU, warning that Europe must not let the AI revolution "pass it by."

Global Heavyweights Line Up

Leaders worldwide are paying attention. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed his attendance—his first at an AI summit—highlighting India’s growing interest in shaping AI’s future.

The U.S., sensing the shifting tides, is sending Vice President JD Vance, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Google’s Sundar Pichai to reinforce its stance.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk is nowhere to be seen on the official guest list, though given his history of weighing in on AI affairs, he’ll likely have something to say—whether he’s there or not. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also reportedly skipping the event.

On the other hand, China will be front and center, with Ding Xuexiang, a top ally of President Xi Jinping, leading its delegation. There’s also speculation that DeepSeek’s creator, Liang Wenfeng, may make an appearance—bringing debates over DeepSeek’s capabilities and staggeringly low costs (a fraction of what U.S. AI engines like ChatGPT require) straight to the summit floor.

AI Regulation: Can Paris Deliver?

Beyond the AI rivalry, regulation will be a key focus. With AI’s rapid evolution outpacing existing laws, the world is under pressure to establish global guidelines for AI control, ownership, and everyday implementation.

Paris could mark a turning point—if world leaders can agree on a shared vision for AI’s future. But with national interests, corporate power struggles, and the looming shadow of DeepSeek, that’s a big if.

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