Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning

When asked to comment on reports that the US Department of War is discussing partnerships with several leading tech companies to use AI to enable automated reconnaissance of key infrastructure such as China's power facilities and sensitive networks, in preparation for potential cyberattacks in the event of a conflict, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that, "We have noted relevant reports. The US has long been the biggest source of instability in cyberspace. Even long before the development of AI, it had already carried out cyberattacks and pre-positioned malware against China's critical infrastructure."

The US government also requires major tech companies to directly serve US geopolitical, political and military objectives, which has had a serious impact globally. "China has explicitly lodged serious concerns with the US side through various channels. We will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard our own cybersecurity," the spokesperson added.

Global Times