Recently, the UAE government intervened in a meeting between US congressional staff and the country's artificial intelligence company G42, resulting in the cancellation of the meeting. This move comes amid growing concerns among US lawmakers about G42 potentially transferring sensitive US technologies to China. According to congressional spokespersons, the UAE Ambassador to the US personally intervened to prevent a meeting between staff of the House Select Committee on China and officials from G42 and the UAE government.
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The US Congress has expressed strong concerns over the $1.5 billion investment between G42 and Microsoft. Lawmakers are worried that sensitive AI technology might be transferred to UAE companies with historical ties to China through this investment. The committee spokesperson stated that due to the UAE's refusal to meet with congressional staff to discuss these issues, Congress will increase its oversight of this transaction.
The canceled meeting could lead to a rift in diplomatic relations between the US and the UAE. The US State Department has not commented on the matter, while G42 has referred the issues to the UAE government for response.
A spokesperson for the UAE Embassy stated that the meeting was initially canceled due to miscommunication about the visit. He mentioned that the embassy only became aware of the congressional staff's visit shortly before the incident. The spokesperson also emphasized that the UAE and the US have close cooperation in controlling advanced technologies and have had multiple exchanges with committee members recently.
The meeting was originally intended to discuss complex chip transfer issues involving companies like Nvidia, as well as topics related to the Sino-US tech competition. During their visit, congressional staff also met with Saudi officials, who showed strong interest in the visit and hoped to address US concerns related to their activities with the Chinese government.
Key Points:
🌍 The UAE prevented a meeting between US congressional staff and G42, leading to its cancellation.
📈 Congress will increase oversight of the G42-Microsoft deal, potentially putting diplomatic relations under pressure.