Washington's AI discussions are focused on beating China as part of a new Cold War, says Marc Andreessen

• AI is shaping up to be a new Cold War with China, according to Marc Andreessen.
• The Silicon Valley veteran discussed US policymakers' plans on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

Washington's leaders are determined that the US will beat China in a global race to dominate AI as a new Cold War takes shape, according to Marc Andreessen.

In a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the Silicon Valley investor and cofounder of VC firm a16z suggested his recent conversations with policymakers on AI have taken on a more competitive tone as soon as China is mentioned.

"The minute you open up the door and talk about China, and what China is going to do with AI, and what that's gonna mean in this new Cold War that we're in with China, it's a completely different conversation," he said.

Andreessen added that Washington's policymakers said not only do they need "American AI to succeed," but that they need to "beat the Chinese." The comments were first reported by Fortune.

The comments from Andreessen come as the ChatGPT-led rise of AI this year has left policymakers grappling with the potential harms posed by the technology and devising rules that govern its use.

Last week, tech leaders from a range of companies leading the AI charge, including OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and Meta, signed a voluntary pledge at the White House to deliver safeguards for the development of AI.

However, Andreessen's comments suggest Washington is also keen to aggressively accelerate the development of AI as a means of maintaining an edge over China at a time when geopolitical tensions between the world's two largest superpowers are simmering over.

Andreessen said Beijing's leaders "view AI as a way to achieve population control" because "they're authoritarians."

During a recent trip to China, Elon Musk said he told Chinese leaders that an AI-led superintelligence in the future could have the power to overthrow the government.

Representatives for Andreessen did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment outside regular working hours.