China does not support slowing AI development — The Guardian
China does not support calls to slow the development of advanced artificial intelligence systems. As The Guardian reports, Lian Jye Su, an analyst at the technology research group Omdia, believes that Beijing sees such proposals as an attempt to entrench the United States' technological advantage. Chinese authorities view AI as a key component of technological sovereignty and do not want to risk progress in narrowing the gap with leading US models.
Security and technological competition
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei proposed globally slowing the development of advanced AI models, noting that this would require cooperation with China. He also advocated continuing export restrictions on advanced chips and equipment for China. In response, China's Foreign Ministry said that intimidation, confrontation and unfair competition would hinder global AI governance.
This week, China released the third version of its AI security governance framework document. It covers risks associated with AI agents, cyber threats from advanced models, and the possible recursive self-improvement of systems. Gabriel Wagner, a researcher at the Beijing consulting firm Concordia, believes that the positions of Chinese authorities and Amodei's warnings have more in common than may appear.
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AI is being introduced into the economy
Chinese authorities are simultaneously encouraging the use of artificial intelligence in the economy to support growth. This goal was included in the latest five-year plan, while local authorities offer companies funding and low rents. Businesses in the country's large manufacturing sector are also encouraged to adapt their processes to the AI era.
China has had an algorithm registry since 2022. According to Concordia AI's assessment, this year's warnings about AI agents indicate a shift in regulators' focus from controlling what systems say to controlling their actions. Beijing has also introduced national rules to limit users' emotional dependence on AI companions.
AI is already actively used in everyday life in China. The digital medical service A-fu, which offers chatbot versions of renowned doctors trained on real clinical research, recently reached 150 million users. Ni Tao, founder of the technology website yangtzeer.com, noted that anxiety over potential job losses and disinformation in China coexists with the belief that AI needs to be mastered rather than its development slowed.
