Ministry of Commerce: Distillation is a Common Practice for Mutual Learning Among AI Models

Odaily News: The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce responded to reporters' questions regarding the U.S. announcement on cybersecurity related to Chinese AI companies' distillation activities. The spokesperson stated that distillation is a common practice for mutual learning among models in the AI field, essentially a neutral technical means, and is used by global model companies, including U.S. companies. This technical approach can help models improve learning efficiency, achieve more efficient utilization of human knowledge, and has positive significance for countries developing AI industries, unleashing the potential of AI technology, bridging the development gap, and benefiting developing countries and the public more broadly.

The U.S. approach is a typical double standard. Regarding AI, China encourages open source, openness, cooperation, and sharing. China's open-source models are open to global companies, including U.S. companies, facilitating the research and development of related models. Reports on U.S. companies' model R&D also disclose that they have distilled Chinese models extensively. In contrast, the U.S. has repeatedly and unilaterally accused Chinese companies of engaging in "industrial-scale" distillation, portraying an industry-wide practice as an attack, which reflects both U.S. anxiety and double standards.