U.S. tech giants eye AI key to unlock China push

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - U.S. technology giants, facing tighter content rules in China and the threat of a trade war, are targeting an easier way into the world's second largest economy - artificial intelligence. Google (GOOGL.O), Microsoft Inc (MSFT.O) and Amazon Inc (AMZN.O) showcased their AI wares at a state-backed forum held in Shanghai this week against the backdrop of Beijing's plans to build a $400 billion AI industry by 2025. China's government and companies may compete against U.S. rivals in the global AI race, but they are aware that gaining ground won't be easy without a certain amount of collaboration. "Hey Google, let's make humanity great again," Tang Xiao'ou, CEO of Chinese AI and facial recognition unicorn Sensetime, said in a speech on Monday. Amazon and Microsoft announced plans on Monday to build new AI research labs in Shanghai.