US and South Korea Sign Strategic AI Partnership Deal to Counter China's Tech Dominance

US, South Korea to Sign Deal Boosting AI, Quantum Cooperation

President Donald Trump's administration is slated to sign a deal with South Korea aimed at bolstering cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and 6G, according to a US official -- part of a bid to maintain a competitive edge with China in an expanding race for tech supremacy. The agreement is set to be signed on Wednesday by Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, according to the official, who discussed plans not yet public on condition of anonymity.

The US government announces strategic 'prosperity deals' with Japan and South Korea to 'drive breakthroughs' in AI, quantum computing, and more

This matches a similar deal made with the UK earlier this year. The US has made many steps to try and put itself at the forefront of whatever developments are to come in the AI space, and a raft of newly announced deals with both Japan and South Korea look to further those goals. As spotted by TechCrunch, the White House website boasts of its new "technology prosperity deals (TPD)" with Japan and South Korea. This builds on the TPD made with the UK in September this year. The goal of these deals, according to the US government, is to "drive breakthroughs in AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, space, 6G, and fusion energy." On the Japan deal, the White House claims this goal will be achieved through coordinated exports between the two countries, alongside "joint efforts to secure the innovation ecosystem, with particular focus on research security, resilient biotechnology and pharmaceutical supply chains, and protection of quantum technologies." The agreement is also intended to mutually benefit both countries regarding space, 6G and fusion technologies. With the US's deal with South Korea, it says both countries will work together to "reduce operational burdens for technology companies and digital application platforms." South Korea and the US will also work together for greater exports, and both countries have agreed to "engage in discussions to promote AI education programs, to empower children to flourish in the digital era and prepare future generations for the workplace of tomorrow." A push for ingraining broader AI support education is something that was first announced in an executive order back in April this year. AI has been a major factor in many trade talks and technology conversations over the last few years, and America's role has been undeniable. In July this year, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang referred to Trump as "America's unique advantage" because of his perspective on AI. Nvidia was reported to be worth $5 trillion earlier this week, in part due to its commitment to AI, and while some analysts have warned of a potential AI bubble, it certainly looks like the US government is determined to double down on the technology Trump also said in July, "you're going to need more electricity than any human beings ever", referencing the vast infrastructure planned to be invested into the tech. Not every outlook is positive, though, as senator Bernie Sanders believes "artificial intelligence is going to displace millions and millions of workers." Sanders has also argued in favour of breaking up OpenAI and thinks AI is "like a meteor coming to this planet." Trump is just one of many leaders intent on winning the AI race, and the investment towards the tech has reached a point where a significant portion of the world's economy is tied to it. It's worth noting that, while these are declared pledges, there are no concrete figures announced in this deal -- no specifics about committing a certain amount of cash or resources into collaboration. Talk of exports isn't met with specific figures either. A public declaration of support is certainly the first step, but there are no concrete terms for any entity to be held accountable for. Still, greater trade deals with more of the world leaves the door open for further communication, which certainly doesn't seem like a bad thing for some of the world's most technologically advanced countries.

Korea, US to sign deal to expand ties in science - The Korea Times

Korea's science ministry said Wednesday it will sign an agreement with the United States to broaden cooperation in the science sector on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering under way in the southeastern city of Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. The Technology Prosperity Deal, to be signed by Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon and Michael Kratsios, head of Washington's Office of Science and Technology Policy, later in the day, centers on expanding "omnidirectional" cooperation in science, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT. The ministry said the agreement comes amid the growing importance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum and synthetic biology. "Through this cooperation, we aim to jointly seek prosperity for future generations, enhance the quality of life for people in both countries, and further elevate the alliance between Korea and the U.S.," it said. In detail, the two countries agreed to speed up efforts to utilize and innovate AI technology for the development of various industries. Seoul and Washington will jointly develop policy frameworks and work to establish a shared AI ecosystem in Asia and other regions. The two countries will also join hands in the exports of reliable AI technology while promoting safe AI-driven innovation. The science ministry said Korea and the United States will further bolster cooperation in next-generation communications, pharmaceutical supply chains, quantum innovation and space exploration. "The memorandum of understanding is a symbol of cooperation for the prosperity of future generations, just as its title suggests," Bae said. Bae added that Korea hopes to further expand exchanges with the U.S. in the science sector, building on previous agreements, including Seoul's partnership with OpenAI. Earlier this month, President Lee Jae Myung met with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and discussed ways to expand partnerships in AI, as Korea seeks to become an AI hub in Asia.

Korea, US to sign deal to strengthen AI cooperation: report - The Korea Times

Korea and the United States are expected to sign a deal Wednesday to boost cooperation in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and 6G, according to a report by Bloomberg. The signing will take place as President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump will meet for talks later in the day in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering. Under the agreement, the two countries will make efforts to strengthen export controls for AI and reduce regulatory burdens for companies to make it easier to store and use data in different geographic locations, Bloomberg reported, citing an unnamed U.S. official. The deal -- set to be signed by Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy -- also seeks to improve biotechnology and pharmaceutical supply chains, protect advances in quantum technology, and promote space and 6G partnerships, it said. "The Trump administration is redefining American technological leadership by driving bilateral collaborative partnerships with allies like Korea," Kratsios said in a statement, according to Bloomberg. The deal would follow similar agreements on technology cooperation the U.S. signed earlier with Japan and Britain, it said.