Moonshot AI's valuation surge reveals desperation in China's AI arms race

Moonshot's pivot from $4 billion to $30 billion valuation in six months reflects structural pressure, not irrational exuberance. Chinese AI startups face collapsing runways as OpenAI's API pricing undercuts local alternatives and Western models dominate enterprise deals. Founders chase inflated valuations to stay relevant while the funding window remains open. The dynamic punishes sustainable unit economics and rewards whoever claims the biggest numbers fastest—a pattern that historically precedes significant write-downs once reality meets the pitch deck.