China’s AI push faces growing control challenge

China’s approach to artificial intelligence is increasingly focused on the technology’s potential to disrupt information and influence public opinion, alongside its strategic and economic benefits.

Cheryl Teh of Business Insider says Beijing is concerned about deepfakes, synthetic propaganda, political rumours and AI driven influence campaigns.

The focus highlights a tension at the heart of China’s AI strategy: developing the technology rapidly while maintaining tight controls over its potential social and political impact.

As China competes to advance its AI capabilities, managing these risks is becoming an important part of the country’s broader technology agenda.