China criticises idea it is in 'malicious competition' over AI

China has hit out against what it has called "threat narratives" over AI governance and warned against "engaging in confrontation and malicious competition".

It follows Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's calls for a slowdown in AI development - but in a way that prevents China from pulling ahead in the AI race.

Over the past week, industry insiders at the leading US artificial intelligence labs have been warning in extremely stark terms about the potential threat AI poses, with some saying it could wipe out humanity.

But US President Donald Trump has said that his priority is making sure the US develops the tech faster than China.

Anthropic researcher believes more than 10% chance AI 'could kill all humans'

On Monday, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters that "narratives of threat, confrontation, and malicious competition serve only to disrupt the process of global AI governance and are not in anyone's interest".

"All parties should work together to advance AI in a manner that is open, inclusive, beneficial to all, and oriented toward the good," he added.

His comments highlight the difficulties in getting an agreement between the world's two leading AI powers.