During a House subcommittee hearing on research and technology on Tuesday, analysts testified as to the implications of China’s rising tech capabilities and warned of the risks the US faces if it fails to act swiftly.

Witnesses cautioned that Beijing’s ability to develop cutting-edge AI systems at a fraction of the cost of American competitors could soon shift the balance of tech and economic power.

Adam Thierer of the R Street Institute, a Washington-based think tank, said that while export controls have had some impact, they “do not solve the underlying problem”.