China's Security Minister warns of AI risks to critical infrastructure

China's Minister of State Security, Chen Yixin, has issued warnings regarding the security risks posed by artificial intelligence. In an article published in ‘China Internet Information’, Chen highlighted how AI could be utilized to manipulate public opinion through the creation of large-scale fake images, videos, and news, potentially undermining public trust in the state.

Chen specifically noted that AI reduces the cost of cyberattacks, posing a heightened threat to critical infrastructure such as electricity, telecommunications, water networks, and banking systems. He also cautioned government and military personnel against using foreign AI systems, warning that sharing sensitive information with these tools could result in critical data falling into opposing hands.

While both the United States and China recognize the risks of advanced AI models, their regulatory approaches differ. While some Western circles advocate for slowing model development, China focuses on state oversight, technical standards, and developer obligations. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) is expanding its security framework to address scenarios such as autonomous resource acquisition and sudden intelligence leaps in AI agents.