China: Six AI Risks According to Intelligence Chief

Chen Yixin outlines six threats that artificial intelligence poses to political security, infrastructure, data, the economy, public order, and warfare. He calls for strict rules and effective governance, while Xi Jinping advocates for a people-centered approach and a global framework based on consensus. These positions resonate with calls for a slowdown in advanced AI made by Dario Amodei, Sam Altman, and Elon Musk.

Beijing Advocates for Global Rules and AI "for Good"

Xi Jinping defended a people-centered approach, emphasizing the development of AI for positive and beneficial purposes, and the acceleration of efforts towards a globally agreed governance framework, so that new technologies support shared prosperity. This intervention took place during a BRICS summit in New Delhi. In the same spirit, Chen Yixin asserts that AI must be developed with the well-being of all humanity as a guiding principle and calls on global powers to resist hegemonism, technological barriers, and exclusive blocs. He advocates for the establishment of a fair and open international rule system for AI.

In the United States, AI Figures Support a Slowdown

Dario Amodei, Sam Altman, and Elon Musk have backed calls to slow down the development of advanced AI, following concerns raised by several employees about the potential dangers of their products. These positions are part of a growing debate in the United States regarding a possible AI-related apocalypse. More broadly, leaders of major companies in the sector agree on the need to slow down the development of the technology.

Six Risks Identified by Chinese Intelligence

In an article published in China Cyberspace, Chen Yixin identifies six major risks for China. He places regime security at the forefront, arguing that generative AI, including deepfakes, enables the low-cost and large-scale production of political rumors, the dissemination of harmful content, the incitement of antagonistic emotions, and the conduct of opinion warfare, posing a direct threat to political and ideological security. He then cites dangers to critical infrastructure, where cyberattacks can be executed with extreme efficiency using powerful models like Mythos. Thirdly, he warns of massive data leaks, where Chinese AI users and foreign services could access sensitive national data, trade secrets, or personal information. Chen also mentions a technological development imbalance caused by monopolies and closed systems fragmenting supply chains in the name of national security, challenges for social governance that could disrupt public order, and fundamental transformations in warfare, where AI enables precision targeting that gives a significant advantage to adversaries on the battlefield.

Call for Strict Guidelines and Effective Governance

Chen Yixin advocates for the establishment of rigorous development rules for AI, thereby strengthening control by public authorities. He also urges Beijing to accelerate the implementation of a system designed to anticipate and manage security risks associated with these technologies. Finally, he emphasizes the necessity for a healthy and orderly development of AI, supported by highly effective governance.