Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing on March 2, responded strongly to reports that the U.S. Department of Defense is in talks with several leading artificial intelligence companies to develop systems capable of autonomously monitoring China’s power facilities and sensitive networks—potentially enabling cyberattacks in the event of conflict.
A journalist asked for China’s reaction to the reported plan. In reply, Mao Ning said,
“We have taken note of the relevant reports. For a long time, the United States has been the biggest source of instability in cyberspace. Long before the development of artificial intelligence, it had already begun launching cyberattacks and pre-positioned intrusions into China’s critical infrastructure.”
She added that the U.S. government has been compelling major technology companies to advance its geopolitical, political, and military objectives—actions she said carry serious global consequences.
Mao emphasized that China has conveyed its grave concerns to Washington through multiple channels. “China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its own cybersecurity,” she said.
Source: Zinia-Tauhid-Tuhina, China Media Group.