ChatGPT Launches — Ignites Global AI Race with China

OpenAI launches ChatGPT to the public, reaching one million users in five days and 100 million in two months — the fastest-growing consumer application in history. In Beijing, Chinese AI leaders panic that the US has pulled ahead dramatically. Baidu, Alibaba, Huawei, and dozens of Chinese startups immediately announce competing large language model programs, triggering what observers call China's 'Sputnik moment' in artificial intelligence.