Bangladesh, Jan. 30 -- A new artificial intelligence (AI) battleground is emerging, one that could determine the technological and economic supremacy of the 21st century. The United States, long the undisputed leader in AI development, is now facing a formidable challenger: China. But the challenge does not stem merely from healthy competition. Rather, Chinas rapid advances in AI technology appear to be fueled by industrial espionage, much of it carried out through the H-1B visa program that allows Chinese nationals to work in the heart of Americas tech industry.

The latest shockwave in the AI sector came from DeepSeek, a Chinese AI firm that claimed to have developed a groundbreaking model for a mere $6 million. The announcement sent US...