As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance at a rapid pace, geopolitical tensions between the United States and China could threaten global AI safety, according to former Chinese vice minister of foreign affairs Fu Ying. Speaking at the Paris AI Action Summit on February 10, Fu warned that strained relations between the two superpowers could derail crucial collaborations needed to manage AI risks effectively.
Fu’s remarks come at a time of significant disruption in the AI sector, following the success of Chinese AI firm DeepSeek. The company’s breakthroughs have shifted the industry landscape, challenging longstanding US dominance in the field. However, instead of fostering global cooperation, Fu noted that rising hostilities have deepened divisions, making it harder to implement shared safety measures.
“At a time when the science is going in an upward trajectory, the relationship is falling in the wrong direction and it is affecting unity and collaboration to manage risks,” Fu said during a panel discussion at the summit.
Growing Concerns Over AI Regulation and Safety
The rapid evolution of AI has heightened global concerns over its ethical use, regulatory oversight, and potential risks. The development of advanced AI models, including large language models and generative AI systems, has raised alarms about misinformation, security vulnerabilities, and job displacement. Policymakers and industry leaders have repeatedly called for international cooperation to establish robust frameworks for AI safety.
Despite these concerns, geopolitical competition, particularly between the US and China, has complicated efforts to create unified AI safety standards. Washington and Beijing have imposed restrictions on AI-related exports and research collaborations, with the US citing national security risks while China seeks technological self-sufficiency.
DeepSeek’s Disruptive Impact
DeepSeek’s recent advances have intensified the AI arms race between the two nations. The Chinese firm’s technological leap has placed it in direct competition with American AI giants like OpenAI and Google DeepMind, forcing the US to reevaluate its AI strategies. While such competition can spur innovation, experts warn that it could also lead to reckless AI deployment if safety measures are sidelined in the pursuit of dominance.
The Need for Dialogue and Cooperation
Fu emphasized that fostering dialogue between nations is critical to ensuring AI remains a force for good. She called on global leaders to prioritize diplomatic engagement and establish cooperative AI governance structures that transcend political rivalries.
With AI’s influence poised to reshape industries and societies worldwide, the challenge for world powers is to balance competition with collaboration ensuring that AI’s rapid progress does not come at the cost of safety and stability.
