ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Trump and China Diverge on AI Terminology, Reflecting Different Visions

ai-technology · 2026-10-11

US President Donald Trump has called for removing the word "artificial" from "artificial intelligence," arguing that it makes the technology sound "fake." The White House stated that the new terminology better reflects the rapidly advancing capabilities and "limitless opportunities" of the technology. Meanwhile, China's term for AI has long emphasized humans rather than artificiality, offering a contrasting perspective on the relationship between people and intelligent machines. The term AI itself dates back to 1956, but the Chinese version presents a different take. These naming choices reveal how each side envisions the future of AI.

Key facts

  • US President Donald Trump wants to banish the word "artificial" from artificial intelligence.
  • Trump says the term makes the technology sound "fake."
  • The White House said the new terminology better reflects rapidly advancing capabilities and "limitless opportunities."
  • China's name for AI has long carried a different connotation, placing humans at its centre.
  • The term AI dates back to 1956.
  • The Chinese version offers a different take on the relationship between humans and intelligent machines.
  • The naming differences reveal how China and Trump see AI's future.

Entities

Institutions

  • White House

Locations

  • China
  • United States

Sources