Tsinghua Scholar Xue Lan on China's AI Governance Role

China's optimism contrasts with Western AI anxiety

As Washington and Beijing prepare for their first dedicated bilateral discussions on artificial intelligence safety since the Trump administration resumed office—scheduled for mid-September—a prominent Chinese voice on AI governance is highlighting fundamental differences in how major powers perceive the technology's risks.

Xue Lan, a Cheung Kong Chair Distinguished Professor at Tsinghua University who leads both Schwarzman College and the university's Institute for AI International Governance, recently outlined these divergent perspectives in an interview with People's Daily published in late July. His observations come at a moment when coordination between the world's two AI superpowers has never been more critical.

Cultural attitudes shape risk perception

According to Xue, China ranks among the countries with the most positive attitudes toward AI development. He attributes this partly to cultural factors: "People in China tend to be very curious about new things. They are interested in them and eager to try them out."

This enthusiasm was evident at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, where Xue noted turnout far exceeded his expectations. His students in Shanghai reported that tickets were nearly impossible to obtain, signaling broad public interest in the technology.

In contrast, Europe and the United States exhibit considerably more negative attitudes toward AI advancement. Xue identified two primary concerns driving Western pessimism: fears that people will use AI to generate fake content, and broader anxieties that the technology could spiral beyond human control. "It is a combination of factors," he said, referencing lessons from previous industrial revolutions.

Governance responsibilities ahead

The interview touched on China's role in shaping global AI governance frameworks, though Xue's specific recommendations were not detailed in the published excerpts. His position at Tsinghua's Institute for AI International Governance places him at the center of Chinese academic thinking on these questions as the technology's most consequential dangers may still lie ahead.

Why it matters

These differing risk perceptions between China and Western nations will directly influence the September bilateral talks and any resulting safety frameworks. If Beijing views AI primarily as an opportunity while Washington emphasizes existential risks, finding common ground on governance mechanisms becomes significantly more complex. Understanding these foundational differences is essential for anyone tracking how the world's leading AI powers will—or won't—coordinate on safety standards.

The details were first reported by People's Daily in their interview with Xue Lan.