China’s state security minister has warned that artificial intelligence is becoming a growing threat to national security.
Chen Yixin said foreign forces could misuse AI to disrupt social order and spread harmful information.
He made the comments in an article published in China.
China Warns of AI-Driven Information Threats
Chen said hostile forces were using generative AI technologies to create political rumours and spread harmful information.
He accused these forces of waging what he called “public opinion” and “cognitive” warfare against China.
According to Chen, such activities pose direct risks to China’s political, institutional and ideological security.
He also described AI as a major field in global technology competition.
Chen said AI has become a new front in strategic competition among major powers.
Foreign Intelligence Agencies and Data
Chen also warned about the use of AI tools to collect sensitive information.
He said foreign intelligence agencies were using technologies such as intelligent web crawlers, data mining and profiling.
According to Chen, these tools can help gather national data, trade secrets and private information about citizens on a large scale.
He called for stronger protection of China’s technological independence.
Chen said China must maintain independent control over key technologies.
He included advanced computer chips that support the training of AI models among these critical technologies.
AI and Military Competition
Chen also linked AI with changes in modern warfare.
He said the recent US-Iran war had highlighted the growing role of AI in military operations.
According to Chen, stronger technology can provide an advantage on the battlefield.
His comments come amid growing global debate over AI safety, military use and regulation.
AI Governance Gains Global Attention
Chen’s warning comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington later this month.
AI governance and safe use of the technology could feature in discussions between the two leaders.
At the same time, calls for stronger oversight of AI continue to grow.
Some US technology leaders have also called for measures to slow the pace of AI development.
