# Startups Urge Trump Not to Block Access to China’s Open-Source AI Silicon Valley calls on Trump: Don’t restrict access to China’s open-source AI models. - **Source:** [Slashdot](https://brifing.si/source/0f34d58e-1ccd-45a6-ab82-2de4065dc7ad) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/60cb567d-3bcf-4945-be79-d40bbb7f0f75 ## Startups’ Joint Appeal Nearly 200 Silicon Valley companies have called on the Trump administration not to block access to China’s open-source AI models. Such a move could hinder the development of the next generation of startups. ## Role of Little Tech Association The newly-formed Little Tech Association sent letters to Trump and other officials, demanding continued access to China’s open-source AI models. This marks Silicon Valley’s first organized effort on this issue. ## Power of China’s AI Models Open-source AI models developed by Chinese companies play a significant role in the global AI race. Models from companies like Moonshot AI and Alibaba are outperforming competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic. ## Startups’ Concerns Startups warn that blocking access to China’s open-source AI models could lead to the closure of hundreds of companies. This poses a major threat, especially to smaller firms. ## Proposal for Targeted Safeguards Startups suggest implementing targeted safeguards instead of broad bans. This approach could ensure security while supporting the growth of startups. ## Technological Competition and Cooperation Chinese leader Xi Jinping promoted a vision of low-cost and accessible AI, calling for international cooperation. Collaboration, rather than technological rivalry, is crucial for global AI development. ## Sources covering this story - https://slashdot.org/story/26/07/23/0623233/startup-founders-urge-trump-not-to-shut-off-chinese-open-weight-ai?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._