On September 9, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce responded to inquiries from reporters regarding the U.S. government's issuance of a cybersecurity notice concerning the model distillation activities of Chinese AI companies operating in the United States. The spokesperson emphasized that model distillation is a widely adopted technique within the AI industry, enabling models to learn from one another in a manner that is fundamentally neutral. This approach is utilized by AI model developers worldwide, including those in the United States.

Model distillation serves to enhance the efficiency of model learning, fostering the effective utilization of human knowledge. It carries significant positive implications for countries striving to develop their AI sectors, as it unlocks technological potential, narrows development disparities, and ultimately benefits developing nations and the general public. China advocates for open-source practices, transparency, and collaborative sharing within the AI community. Chinese open-source models have been made accessible to global entities, including U.S. companies, thereby facilitating model research and development endeavors.

Reports on research and development from U.S. companies also reveal that they have extensively engaged in the distillation of Chinese models. Nevertheless, the U.S. has persistently and unilaterally accused Chinese firms of conducting 'industrial-scale' model distillation, mischaracterizing a common industry practice as a form of attack. This stance not only underscores U.S. anxieties but also highlights its double standards in this regard.