Can AI replicate, grow powerful and become a threat to human race? How China is preparing for greater risks

AI is predicted to develop, replicate and seek greater power on its own with a possible risk of escaping human control. Chinese policymakers are already preparing for the potential risks posed by AI.

The US and China have emerged as two major superpowers pushing artificial intelligence (AI) development and its adoption across the world. Amid this, researchers at leading US artificial intelligence company Anthropic have warned about the increasingly powerful AI models. According to them, this AI technology could possibly evade human control, potentially threatening human survival as well. It seems that the prediction has grabbed China's strong attention, as Reuters reported that policymakers are preparing for the potential risks posed by AI.

The US and China were reported to be competing primarily over artificial intelligence and related issues including AI policies and industry practices, adding tensions between the two countries. The issue is expected to feature prominently during bilateral talks later this month.

Chinese authorities on possible risks of AI

At the same time, Beijing is reportedly considering the risks posed by increasingly advanced AI systems seriously.

Chinese regulations and official statements hint at the country's preparation for situations in which powerful AI models could become difficult to monitor or even control.

As China continues to push towards more advanced systems, State Security Minister Chen Yixin wrote in a government outlet on Sunday that advanced US models, including Anthropic's Mythos and OpenAI's GPT-5.5-Cyber, could pose serious threats to China's critical information infrastructure, as reported by Reuters. He called for a comprehensive strengthening of AI security.

However, Anthropic and OpenAI are yet to respond to these claims.

How secure is Chinese AI models

AI may replicate, develop and grow powerful

Since then, the concerns related to the growing world of AI have featured in China’s top-level political messaging.

Sneha Biswas