Singapore is transforming from East-West gateway ​to neutral ground for the AI sector, with Chinese startups hoping to operate beyond government reach while U.S. firms seek foreign talent without the headache of stricter visa regulations.

The ‌city-state, a longtime darling for its business-friendly stance and bilingual population, is increasingly being seen as a place to keep both ​China and the U.S. at bay, rather than acting as a bridge, as the superpowers vie for technological superiority through avenues ⁠such as export and talent control.