Technology · 21 July 2026

China's free AI models challenge US tech dominance

Google is struggling with delays to its Gemini AI model, while Chinese company Moonshot released a surprisingly capable, free AI model last week. Moonshot's new open-weight model, Kimi K3, offers strong coding abilities and is available for anyone to download and use. Beijing's subsidies to its domestic AI startups enable them to offer lower prices than US companies, which is causing concern in Silicon Valley.

By BriefTea Editorial · 21 July 2026 at 20:54

Reported by Guardian · How we write briefs

Get the app

More briefs

GeneralLondon temperatures falling to 13C by Sunday as wet, windy weather arrives PoliticsUK could get 'Switzerland plus' EU deal, says senior MEP SportsChelsea Captain Reece James Has Knee Surgery PoliticsHealey Rejects Mansion Tax Change That Would Double Homes Affected HealthGreat Ormond Street's Same-Day Test Finds Hidden Infections in Sick Children PoliticsUnion Warns 450 Jobs at Risk at UK's Biggest Gas Store Browse all stories →