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

Key Points:

• China criticized "threat narratives" around AI governance and warned against confrontation and malicious competition, emphasizing the need for open, inclusive, and beneficial AI development.
• The US-China rivalry in AI is intensifying, with the US aiming to maintain its lead and China striving to catch up despite export bans and financial challenges; cooperation on slowing AI development is deemed unlikely due to national security interests.
• Chinese officials, including leader Xi Jinping and state security minister Chen Yixin, acknowledge AI risks and advocate balancing development with security, while calling for international cooperation to prevent misuse by hostile forces.
• Industry leaders in the US have called for a slowdown and more regulation of AI development amid existential risk concerns, but former President Donald Trump prioritizes maintaining US dominance over China in AI technology.
• Ahead of an upcoming US-China summit, both countries are attempting to include AI governance in discussions, with ongoing talks between high-level officials reflecting the high stakes and complexities of cooperation in this strategic technology area.