ISTANBUL

Beijing on Monday criticized reported US efforts to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to allegedly conduct automated reconnaissance of Chinese infrastructure, accusing Washington of escalating cyber tensions.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Beijing had seen and noted the reports that the US Department of Defense was discussing partnerships with major technology companies to develop AI-powered cyber capabilities.

“The United States has long been the leading source of instability in cyberspace,” Mao said.

The spokeswoman was responding to the question of whether the US wanted to conduct "automated reconnaissance of China’s power grids, utilities, and sensitive networks with AI-powered cyber tools to identify flaws that could be exploited in any conflict."

She accused Washington of conducting cyberattacks and “prepositioning” operations against China’s critical infrastructure even before the development of AI technology.

The US government had asked major technology firms to serve its geopolitical and military objectives, warning that such cooperation could have “grave global impact,” said Mao.

She added that Beijing had conveyed its concerns to Washington through multiple diplomatic channels and vowed China would take all necessary measures to safeguard its cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity has become a major source of friction between Beijing and Washington in recent years, with both sides frequently accusing each other of hacking and cyber espionage.

The US previously alleged that Chinese state-linked hackers targeted American government agencies, companies, and critical infrastructure.

Beijing has repeatedly denied the allegations and, in turn, accused Washington of carrying out large-scale cyber operations worldwide.