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

Former US Vice-President Kamala Harris emphasized the urgency for the US and China to collaborate on international rules and standards for artificial intelligence (AI) during her address on October 14 at South Korea’s Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Harris warned that the window for effectively managing AI's most severe risks was rapidly closing, urging governments and technology companies to implement safeguards promptly.

She highlighted three existential dangers from AI: cybersecurity threats, AI-enabled weapons, and systems that could surpass human control. Harris also stressed the importance of US engagement with China on these matters, asserting that their strategic rivalry should not hinder cooperation on shared risks. "There is room for cooperation where our interests are aligned," she stated, advocating for "healthy and robust competition, but not conflict."

Harris criticized former President Donald Trump's erratic tariff policies, cautioning against short-term thinking that undermines long-term gains. She praised South Korea’s investments in US industries, particularly shipbuilding, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and clean energy, calling them immensely significant. Harris called for renewed US commitment to South Korea, emphasizing the growing concerns surrounding alliances with North Korea, Russia, China, and Iran.

Harris expressed her endorsement of Democrats retaining a majority in the House of Representatives, suggesting they had a "very good shot" at capturing the Senate, which could grant Congress a stronger role in domestic and foreign policy decisions, including the conflict in Iran. Regarding her future plans, Harris stated she was still deliberating on whether to run for president again in 2028.