Western and Chinese experts see open-source AI models gaining global traction as they now rival closed-source systems in technology, making open development an irreversible trend.
The experts' views come as the U.S. government is reportedly moving to exempt open-weight models from safety reviews.
In June, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at managing security risks of AI models, allowing the government to obtain access to specific AI models up to 30 days before their release for review purposes.
The U.S. federal government plans to subject only closed-source models to safety reviews, according to sources familiar with a top-level meeting at the White House on Aug 4, as relayed by Western outlets. Open-weight models will escape scrutiny, even when they are developed by Chinese companies.
Oliver Buchmueller, a professor at Imperial College London, noted his recent use of China's Kimi and pointed out that open-source models provide global access.
"Myself, I've been subscribing just very recently to Kimi. Many of the wit models are open-source models. It really is an access for the entire community and entire world," said Buchmueller. He is also a senior researcher at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).
Cai Yunfeng, a researcher at the Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications (BIMSA), observed that open-source models are now technically on par with closed-source ones, with only a few months of performance gap.
"Currently, there is almost no technological gap between open-source and closed-source models, though there is a performance gap of about three to six months," said Cai.
Joe Neeman, researcher at the Machine Learning Lab, University of Texas at Austin, argued that even dominant closed models cannot stop the inevitable rise of open development.
"Even if you have one very successful and very rich company keeping itself in a closed model, the world is too big. And I think eventually the open development is inevitable," said Neeman.
Open-source AI is irreversible global trend: experts
Top Chinese film industry figures shared their insights on the future of the action genre as the Global Action Movie Roundtable convened in Harbin of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Monday.
Held on the sidelines of the 7th Jackie Chan International Action Film Week, the roundtable brought together filmmakers and actors and focused on topics such as how to carry forward the spirit of action films as well as discussing future career paths of action performers.
Inspired by the work of legendary martial arts star Jackie Chan, the first session explored how Chinese action cinema has bocome a global hallmark, with industry veterans sharing their insights.
"Whenever I face power or injustice, I throw myself in without hesitation - I stand up and fight against it. That's the spirit I see in Jackie Chan, and in our people. That's the chivalry, the spirit of Chinese action films," said Hong Kong director and action choreographer Stanley Tong, who was worked closely with Jackie Chan on numerous projects.
Chinese director Ding Sheng, who has also frequently collaborated with Jackie Chan, noted that even Hollywood films have drawn much influence from Chinese action cinema, including the 'John Wick' series starring Keanu Reeves.
"Even movies like 'John Wick' show a lot of Eastern influence. Everyone is learning from each other and merging styles. The challenge now is how to move forward together and create something new," said Ding.
The second session of the forum focused on innovation and the development of new talent. Guests including producer Wei Junzi, director Qin Pengfei, and some of the country's brightest up-and-coming young actors discussed choreography techniques, the challenges faced by performers, and the impact of AI technology on the industry.
Two emerging actors, including rising star Lin Qiunan, also performed some live action sequences on stage, showing off their impressive martial arts moves.
"As a Kung Fu actor, the most important principle is authentic fighting and convey that genuine feeling [to audiences]," said Lin.
The event also saw the debut of the official poster for the film week, a collaborative print by the 96-year-old Chao Mei, a founding figure of the 'Great Northern Wilderness' woodblock printmaking style and Professor Chao Fangfang of the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts, and conceptualized by cultural scholar Rong Hongjun.
The roundtable marked the opening of the film week which will see a host of other events, including an audience film festival, a program marking the 50th anniversary of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, and the closing ceremony and awards event, are scheduled in the coming days.
Top film industry figures share insights at "Jackie Chan Action Film Week" roundtable
