China also uses export controls - heck, look at the export controls passed against EU aerospace and defense companies [0] as well as China's rare earths embargo on the EU last year [1].

Additonally, the Chinese AI industry is shifting away from open models and to American-style commercialization as well [2].

[0] - https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3351292/...

[1] - https://www.reuters.com/world/china/eu-firms-brace-more-shut...

[2] - https://m.guancha.cn/economy/2026_06_12_820253.shtml

If the Chinese models surpass US ones, I highly doubt Chinese government would allow non-Chinese to use those models. It seems like the most capable model is becoming a national asset