US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Sunday that Washington faces a more complicated competition with China over artificial intelligence than it did during the Cold War.
Speaking to CNN, Waltz said the US and China are deeply connected economically, making the rivalry different from previous confrontations with major powers. He suggested that Washington could support limited agreements with Beijing during a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Possible areas include the spread of algorithms, nuclear weapons systems and ensuring humans remain involved in critical decisions.
However, Waltz opposed imposing domestic restrictions that could slow American technological development. He argued that US innovators and entrepreneurs should be allowed to develop new technologies without excessive regulatory barriers.
Arctic Security and Trade
Waltz also described a new US-Denmark security agreement concerning Greenland as important for protecting North American defenses. He said potential intercontinental missile attacks would likely involve Arctic routes, making radar and sensor systems in the region strategically important.
He connected Arctic security with continental missile defense, a new icebreaker agreement with Finland, increased NATO defense spending and access to energy and critical mineral resources. He also noted that declining Arctic ice is opening new shipping routes that could reduce reliance on traditional southern maritime chokepoints.
Maritime Security and Iran
Waltz said the US and its allies would take strong measures against any attempts to disrupt civilian shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal.
Discussing the possibility of prolonged tensions with Iran, he said Washington’s strategy could continue for several years and argued that time was advantageous to the US. He said sanctions would remain in place until Iran makes verified changes regarding its nuclear activities and broader conduct.
Waltz also claimed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps controls a significant portion of Iran’s economy, making economic pressure an important part of Washington’s strategy.
Meanwhile, CNN reported that the Trump administration would prefer Saudi Arabia to respond to regional threats rather than relying directly on US military forces. A US official said Washington was increasing intelligence and targeting cooperation with Riyadh, while Saudi officials reportedly expressed confidence in their military capabilities following years of training.
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