In recent times, the discourse around artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States has revolved around the hypothetical threat of superintelligence. However, in China, the focus has been more on tangible risks such as deepfakes and child safety. That perspective is changing as China’s top security officials have started to recognize the potential national security threats posed by AI, especially in light of its hacking capabilities.
AI and National Security Concerns
Recent developments have heightened Beijing’s awareness of AI’s potential risks. The revelation that a small team of California-based programmers could use AI to potentially compromise millions of accounts on China’s mega-app WeChat has been particularly alarming. This has prompted a warning from China’s spy agency chief about the technology’s possible threat to national security.
Kevin Xu, who leads the US-based technology hedge fund Interconnected Capital, notes that the core concerns regarding AI safety are similar in China and the United States. However, he points out that these issues are not as publicly debated in China as they are in the US. Despite this, the Chinese government is highly concerned about the cybersecurity implications of autonomous AI bots.
International Dialogue on AI Risks
As AI-related issues gain global attention, there is increasing pressure for leaders like President Xi Jinping and former US President Donald Trump to address these challenges in bilateral discussions. Both nations recognize the necessity of a shared understanding of AI risks, which could potentially lead to cooperation on safety evaluations and crisis alert systems.
Nonetheless, the competitive nature of AI development between the US and China may hinder collaboration. While Trump has expressed a desire to maintain the US’s lead in AI, there are concerns in China that the notion of ‘security’ could be leveraged to hinder its technological progress.
Regulatory Responses and Public Perception
China is already taking steps to regulate AI usage, such as banning AI-generated avatars without consent. Brian Tse, CEO of Concordia AI, highlights that China’s AI policy is more focused on addressing current societal and individual risks rather than theoretical threats.
In Shanghai, opinions on AI are varied, with some viewing the technology as a double-edged sword. Xie Zongbo, a local resident, sees the exposure of security flaws as an opportunity to enhance cybersecurity. There is a general consensus on the need for stringent regulations, as echoed by a pharmaceutical worker named Jenny, who compared AI regulation to traffic control.
Jia Zijian, founder of Inspired AI in Singapore, expresses concern over AI’s ability to crack complex passwords, posing significant threats to both US and Chinese national security. The fear is that if one country achieves superior AI capabilities without adequate defenses, it could leave the other vulnerable.
