The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been meticulously planning to ultimately dominate in the creation, implementation, and dissemination of productive artificial intelligence (AI) since 2017. These AI programs utilize vast data sets to train themselves to recognize patterns so quickly that it seems like they’re generating knowledge out of thin air.
By CCP’s design, by 2020, China was expected to mark significant progress in AI models, methods, devices, high-tech equipment, and foundational software, as reported by Business Insider. However, the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in autumn 2022 seems to have caught Beijing by surprise.
The debut of ChatGPT practically demonstrated that American companies, at least for the moment, are leading in the field of AI, sparking an unprecedented technological race among private tech companies. Business Insider notes there is no guarantee that the US’s lead in AI will last indefinitely.
Chinese tech companies have also joined the race, managing to cultivate technology that, while fueled by information, operates within the tightly controlled framework of the Asian giant. The local censorship demands might slow the development and commercialization of China’s domestic AI models but won’t prevent Beijing from capitalizing on AI where deemed suitable.
China’s leader, Xi Jinping, views technology as key to shaking the country out of economic stagnation. Even if China doesn’t surpass the US in AI, it remains a strong competitor, likely to secure a formidable position in the global hierarchy.
According to Business Insider, within its internal documents, the CCP indicates the use of AI for shaping reality and heightening control within its borders, for political suppression, surveillance, and monitoring dissenters. Moreover, the party will utilize AI to drive innovations in industrial engineering, biotechnology, and other productive sectors, where it’s already seen some success—potentially impacting geopolitics considerably.
The ingestion of information is crucial in modern AI technology, where the robustness of tech like ChatGRT depends on the array of consumed web pages, news articles, and books. China, with its stringent information controls, faces existential challenges in understanding AI malfunctions, which may inadvertently lead to a chatbot revealing uncomfortable truths.
To counteract these risks, Business Insider reports that Beijing feeds AI with information that promotes a positive “social construction.” The Chinese State Council wrote in the 2017 Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan that AI would understand collective intelligence and psychological shifts, enhancing social governance significantly.
Constructed with the right specifications, the CCP believes AI can be a robust tool to reinforce its power. Accordingly, China’s Cyberspace Administration, the country’s AI regulator, recently released a chatbot trained entirely on Xi Jinping’s political and economic philosophies.
For the CCP, harnessing a new medium for mass monitoring and information dominance couldn’t be timelier, especially considering the Chinese economy’s challenges and increasing public dissent. Beijing welcomes the opportunity to facilitate technologies that can help maintain social order and enhance its governance methodology not just within, but potentially far beyond its borders.
China’s AI ambitions, intertwined with its governance and global influence strategies, reflect the country’s broader goals of becoming a leading power in technology and innovation. The Chinese government aims to integrate AI into various sectors, including military, economy, and public surveillance, to maintain control and project influence globally.
It is important to question how China’s progress in AI compares globally, especially with the US. While China has made substantial progress, the United States still holds a competitive edge in many segments of AI development. However, China’s large investments and strategic focus on AI, including initiatives such as the “New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan,” aim to close this gap.
Key challenges and controversies associated with China’s AI ambitions revolve around ethical concerns, such as privacy and human rights, given the potential for AI technologies to be used for mass surveillance and social control. Furthermore, the technological race can lead to heightened US-China tensions, as AI is a strategic domain with implications for national security and economic power.
A significant advantage of China’s approach is the scaling capability, as the nation’s extensive population offers massive data sets to train AI systems, which is critical for machine learning. Additionally, the government’s support could speed up implementation across various sectors. Conversely, a key disadvantage is the risk of stifling innovation due to the country’s strict internet controls and censorship, which could hinder AI development and the diversity of data that AI models are trained on.
For further information on China’s strategic approach and the broader context of AI development, visit the official websites of relevant institutions and global agencies involved in technology, AI, and international relations. Here are some trustworthy links:
– Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)
– United States Department of State
– European Commission Digital Strategy on AI
– World Economic Forum
It is critical to stay informed and watch how governments around the world approach the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
The source of the article is from the blog kewauneecomet.com