**RT Editor-in-Chief Emphasizes China's Role in Regulating AI Development**
In a recent interview, Margarita Simonyan, the Editor-in-Chief of RT, articulated her views on the pivotal role China could play in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure it benefits humanity rather than undermining it. The interview, conducted by Zhang Weiwei, a professor of international relations at Fudan University and host of ‘China Now’ on Shanghai’s Dragon TV, aired on Wednesday.
Simonyan expressed her concerns about the rapid advancement of AI technology, stating that it is already influencing human behavior and could potentially replace humanity in the future. "I fear that it will change and then replace humanity," she remarked, highlighting the urgency of addressing the implications of AI development.
She expressed optimism that China, with its advanced technological capabilities, might develop solutions to keep AI as a supportive tool rather than a dominating force. "A high-tech country like China... might invent some way, some antidote... to prevent artificial intelligence from getting out of control," Simonyan noted.
The RT editor-in-chief underscored the importance of maintaining human oversight over AI technologies. She envisioned a future where AI could help humanity overcome significant challenges, such as disease and hunger, while ensuring that humans remain in control of the technology. "But we’re not obeying it – it obeys us," she emphasized.
Simonyan also raised concerns about the potential threats AI poses to national sovereignty, particularly for countries like Russia and China. She pointed out that children are increasingly interacting with AI assistants, which are learning from Western platforms and narratives. This, she warned, could lead to a distorted understanding of history and reality among future generations.
In response, Zhang Weiwei highlighted the unique characteristics of China's approach to AI development. He noted that DeepSeek, a prominent Chinese large language model, is designed to learn from both local and Western sources but operates within the framework of Chinese language logic and cultural values. This approach aims to create a more human-centered AI, contrasting with the American model, which he characterized as being controlled by a few major tech companies and primarily serving affluent individuals.
Zhang explained that China is actively working to make its AI models open source, allowing broader access and encouraging improvements in people's lives. This strategy reflects a commitment to ensuring that AI technology serves a wider population rather than a select few.
The conversation between Simonyan and Zhang underscores the ongoing global discourse surrounding the ethical and societal implications of AI. As AI technology continues to evolve, the roles of various nations, particularly those with significant technological capabilities like China, will be crucial in determining how these advancements affect humanity as a whole.