China criticises idea it is in 'malicious competition' over AI

China has criticized the idea that it is engaged in "malicious competition" regarding artificial intelligence, following calls from Anthropic's CEO for a slowdown in AI development to prevent China from gaining an advantage. While the US and China are rivals in the AI race, with the US imposing export bans on critical chips, China's AI innovation continues to grow, supported by open-source technology and government backing. Chinese officials, including Xi Jinping and state security minister Chen Yixin, have acknowledged the risks of AI, emphasizing the need to balance development with security, improve laws and ethical guidelines, and prevent risks to national security. China has also proposed international cooperation on AI governance, establishing the World AI Cooperation Organization and suggesting a community for open-source AI at the BRICS summit.

China's Minister of State Security, Chen Yixin, has highlighted the growing national security risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI), advocating for stronger risk prevention measures and international governance. This statement aligns with Beijing's ambition to lead in global AI governance, even as it criticizes US restrictions. Chen views AI as a significant geopolitical arena for strategic competition among major powers. This comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed an AI-driven initiative at the Brics summit in India to foster industrialization and supply chain cooperation within the bloc.