China's state security agency warns of national security risks from AI

The head of China’s Ministry of State Security, Chen Yixin, has issued a formal warning regarding the risks artificial intelligence poses to the nation’s security. In an article published online, the minister stated that hostile foreign forces are utilizing generative AI to fabricate political rumors and disseminate harmful information. According to the ministry, these actions are intended to launch public opinion and cognitive warfare against the country, which officials argue directly threatens China’s political, institutional, and ideological stability.

Chen characterized artificial intelligence as the primary battleground for global technological competition and a significant new arena for strategic rivalry between major powers. Unlike some international counterparts, the Chinese security chief did not call for a deceleration of technological progress or express concerns regarding existential risks associated with superintelligent systems. Instead, the focus remained on the potential for AI to be leveraged as a tool for external interference and social disruption.

The warning arrives as global leaders prepare to address AI governance and safety protocols in upcoming diplomatic discussions. Chinese leader Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump this month, where the regulation of emerging technologies is expected to be a key topic of conversation.

Simultaneously, prominent figures in the US technology sector have voiced their own concerns regarding the trajectory of AI development. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei recently described the current pace of advancement as reckless, a sentiment echoed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. While these industry leaders have emphasized the need for greater oversight and caution, the Chinese security ministry’s commentary highlights a distinct emphasis on the geopolitical and security-related implications of the technology.