Harris warns window closing for AI safeguards, urges US-China cooperation

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris called for urgent AI safeguards at a recent appearance in South Korea, warning that the window for addressing its most serious risks is quickly closing. Harris urged both governments and technology companies to collaborate on international rules and standards for AI, emphasizing that their strategic rivalry should not prevent them from cooperating on shared threats.

She highlighted three existential dangers from AI: cybersecurity threats, AI-enabled weapons, and systems that could escape human control. Harris also urged the US to engage China on these matters, advocating for "healthy and robust competition, but not conflict." Criticizing President Donald Trump's erratic tariffs, Harris cautioned against a transactional approach that undermines US global influence.

She praised South Korea's investments in US industries, such as shipbuilding, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and clean energy, calling this support immensely significant. Harris also stressed the importance of renewed US commitment to South Korea, given growing cooperation among North Korea, Russia, China, and Iran, which poses a significant concern for the country's allies.