China Criticises Anthropic CEO AI Slowdown Proposal as ‘Cold War Playbook’

Artificial Intelligence

Beijing-backed media says Dario Amodei’s AI safety proposal could restrict China’s technology development and deepen US-China tensions.

China criticised Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s call to slow AI development
Global Times called the proposal a “Cold War playbook” targeting China
Amodei urged stronger US chip controls on China
US officials remain divided over whether AI development should slow
US and China are expected to discuss frontier AI safety risks

China has criticised Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s suggestion to slow advanced AI development, calling it a “Cold War playbook” meant to limit AI development in China.

Amodei recently proposed a more measured approach to developing frontier AI to give companies and governments more time to respond to growing safety concerns. The proposal has been backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

Moreover, the head of Anthropic advised the US to tighten rules on chip exports to China and take measures regarding the alleged distillation of AI models in China. According to him, one of the toughest challenges would arise if China and other competing nations continued making advances in AI development while the US slowed its progress.

According to Global Times, the initiative aims to restrict AI development in China through technological and regulatory measures. It was termed a “Silent AI Cold War,” and the exclusion of China from global AI innovation was considered a risk to AI development.

However, the discussion comes amid rising concerns about frontier AI safety in Washington. Two Anthropic researchers have raised concerns that the rapid development of the technology could soon pose serious threats to humans, prompting some US politicians to call for stronger safety measures.

US President Donald Trump has rejected calls to slow AI research, saying that the US is currently ahead of China and must remain so. According to him, the nation that wins the AI race will gain a strategic advantage.

In September, the US and China are also expected to discuss frontier AI safety risks. The issue could be raised during the upcoming meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for September 24. Business Honor observes that the dispute shows how AI safety, semiconductor controls and technological competition are becoming increasingly connected to wider US-China relations.

FAQs

Why did China criticise Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei?
China criticised Amodei’s proposal to slow frontier AI development and his support for stronger restrictions on China’s access to advanced AI technology.

What did Global Times call Amodei’s proposal?
The Chinese state-backed publication described it as a “Cold War playbook” targeting China’s AI development.

What did Dario Amodei propose?
He called for a slower pace of frontier AI development to provide more time to address growing safety risks.

What did Amodei say about China?
He urged the US to strengthen chip export controls on China and address alleged AI model distillation by Chinese AI labs.

Will the US and China discuss AI safety?
The two countries are expected to discuss frontier AI safety risks in September.