Yanzi Xu

As AI continues to advance, the technology has created many opportunities and risks. Despite significant geopolitical differences, a series of interviews with AI experts in China and the United Kingdom reveals common AI safety priorities, shared understanding of the benefits and risks of open source AI, and agreement on the merits of closer collaboration—but also obstacles to closer partnerships.

The United States and China commenced their first intergovernmental dialogue on AI in Geneva on May 14, 2024. This dialogue was a crucial step towards better cooperation between the United States and China on addressing AI risks, but given the continued growth in both commercial and military AI applications, much more collaboration is necessary, including among non-governmental stakeholders.

China is steadily cultivating new quality productive forces to enhance its economy. China’s huge marketplace provides extensive opportunities for testing, applying, and improving new technologies and business models. Other countries should take note and recognize that hidden behind this new buzzword, China has begun to articulate a clear game plan for boosting its techno-economic leadership in the global economy.

A look at the proposals put forth during China's major annual political convening give hints as to what the government may focus on in the year ahead, which includes AI model development, data sharing, skills development, and safety.