Explore insights from Sam Daws, Senior Adviser at Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative, on China’s AI innovation, global collaboration, and the future of artificial intelligence governance.
Sam Daws, Senior Adviser at the Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative at the University of Oxford, recently visited China to join the Mingde Strategic Dialogue 2025. During his trip, he toured Shanghai, Wenzhou, and Beijing with Professor Wang Wen, Dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies and School of Global Leadership at Renmin University of China. They visited leading Chinese companies and engaged with thousands of young scholars. Daws described the experience as “remarkable,” saying it gave him a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, the energy of the younger generation, and new perspectives on China’s innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence governance.
Opportunities and Risks of AI
AI was one of the main topics during the dialogue. Wang asked Daws about the challenges artificial intelligence poses, referencing concerns that rapid AI development could eventually replace human labour. Daws acknowledged AI’s potential to transform almost every industry by improving efficiency. However, he emphasised the human side: when automation replaces jobs, it is essential to ensure people can find new opportunities and maintain their well-being.
At the same time, AI drives innovation across many sectors. In medicine, it can help deliver affordable, personalised treatments. In education, AI can expand learning opportunities for people at all stages. In environmental research, it supports climate modelling and biodiversity protection. Yet the challenges are significant. Algorithms can be biased or misaligned with human values, and AI can even be misused for harmful purposes. Daws warned that, although unlikely, there is a possibility that AI could spiral out of control. This makes global cooperation and practical governance essential.
Global Collaboration and Leadership
When asked about the role of different countries in AI governance, Daws noted that each region contributes in unique ways. The UK has led in AI safety, while China, the United States, Singapore, and Kenya have established AI safety institutes. Europe focuses on regulation through the EU AI Act, though balancing oversight and innovation remains a lesson for all.
China is making significant strides beyond software AI, particularly in robotics, automation, and early research on brain-computer interfaces. Meanwhile, the United States prioritises competition and commercial development but continues to focus on safety. Daws also highlighted shared concerns, such as energy consumption, because AI systems require massive electricity and water to operate. Designing efficient, “frugal” AI systems is a common interest for all nations and a key area for collaboration.
Imagining 2050
Looking ahead to 2050, Wang asked Daws to envision AI and the global landscape. He expressed cautious optimism. Humanity will need to become wiser and more ethical to tackle challenges like AI, climate change, biodiversity loss, public health, and international security. He reflected on a phrase from Confucius: “The wise find joy in water, the virtuous find joy in mountains.” By 2050, Daws suggested, humanity will need curiosity like water to drive progress, alongside ethical steadiness like mountains.
He concluded that, with the right approach, technology—including AI—can help humans coexist more harmoniously across cultures, languages, and governance systems. The visit underlined a key point: AI offers enormous opportunities but also profound challenges. Global collaboration, ethical foresight, and cross-cultural understanding will determine whether AI becomes a tool for progress or a source of risk. China, with its innovative projects and engagement in governance discussions, is emerging as an influential player in shaping this global conversation.
Written by Ronnie Yu, additional reporting by CNS.
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