We are in the middle of what might be called a global AI freakout: Researchers warn of systems escaping human control, tech executives propose slowing their own frontier models, and Washington is consumed by debates over regulation. Anxiety over jobs, safety, data centers, and the concentration of wealth and power is coalescing into a huge backlash.

Hovering over every proposal for restraint is China. If America slows down, the idea goes, China races ahead. House Speaker Mike Johnson put it plainly this week, saying there can be no moratorium on AI development because America would lose its edge to China.