Kamala Harris Says ‘Window Is Shutting’ On AI Safety—Urges Cooperation With China

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris warned on Wednesday that the window for implementing AI safeguards is rapidly closing. Speaking at South Korea’s Asan Institute for Policy Studies, Harris expressed concern that the necessary regulations and protections were not being put in place quickly enough. She cited three major risks from AI technology: cybersecurity threats, AI-enabled weapons, and systems that could potentially escape human control. Harris stressed the urgency of government and corporate action to address these dangers.

Harris urged the United States to work with China to establish international rules and standards for AI, emphasizing that their strategic rivalry should not prevent cooperation on shared risks. She advocated for "healthy and robust competition, but not conflict," urging a balanced approach to competition rather than a confrontational stance.

The candidate criticized former President Donald Trump’s policy of "erratic tariffs" as punitive and detrimental to the US’s global influence. Harris cautioned against a transactional approach that neglects long-term gains, highlighting the importance of investing in the future rather than short-term gains.

The US presidential election, which Harris is campaigning for, is a key focus. She noted that the seven key states that will decide the election are crucial, stressing the need for the country to think beyond the immediate and to value long-term investments. Harris praised South Korea’s investment in US industries such as shipbuilding, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and clean energy, calling it "immensely significant and valued."

She also emphasized the necessity of renewed US commitment to South Korea, given the growing cooperation among adversaries like North Korea, Russia, China, and Iran. Harris stressed that these alliances pose a significant concern and that the US and its allies must strengthen deterrence measures. As she campaigned for Democratic candidates ahead of the 2026 midterms, Harris predicted that Democrats could win a majority in the House of Representatives and have a "very good shot" at gaining control of the Senate, which could give Congress a stronger voice in domestic and foreign policy decisions, including the conflict with Iran.