Chinese state media said on Wednesday that a recent appeal from leading artificial intelligence executives to slow the pace of development amounted to "fear mongering," according to reports from a daily government press briefing. The remarks, conveyed through state outlets, rejected the idea that a temporary industry slowdown is the best path forward.
Beijing pushes for cooperation and inclusivity
The state reports said the government expects "all groups"—a term used to encompass industry, government, research institutions and the public—to collaborate on ensuring AI remains open and inclusive. The briefing framed such cooperation as preferable to alarm-driven pauses, while stressing the importance of continued engagement across sectors.
The comments signal Beijing's stance in the broader international debate over how to manage rapid advances in AI. While some industry figures have urged a slowdown to address safety and ethical concerns, Chinese authorities as reflected in state media emphasised that responding through collective governance and inclusive development is the correct approach.
Analysts say the exchange highlights the differing tones in global discussions about AI policy. Beijing's response, as presented by state outlets, underscores a preference for sustained development under coordinated oversight rather than industry-led moratoria, a position that may shape China's participation in international AI governance conversations.
The state media reports did not attribute the remarks at the press briefing to a named official in their coverage, nor did they provide detailed policy proposals. They did, however, reiterate the message that multiple stakeholders should work together to steer AI toward openness and inclusivity, rather than stoking public fears.