Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Fields Questions on AI

Summary

On 26 September 2026, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson answered questions on artificial intelligence, responding to the US side's use of the term 'superintelligence' rather than 'artificial intelligence' when describing the outcomes of the visit. The spokesperson said the two sides held in-depth discussions on AI during the meeting between the Chinese and US heads of state. On the wording regarding AI, China values the US position and respects the US formulation.

The spokesperson said AI technology continues to develop and that all parties can, in light of the latest developments, step up exchanges, deepen discussions and seek common ground. The Q&A was published on the website of the Chinese Consulate-General in Auckland and forms part of the Foreign Ministry spokesperson's remarks.

Commentary

The divergence in wording between China and the US on artificial intelligence — from 'artificial intelligence' to 'superintelligence' — reflects a contest over strategic narratives behind the technology race. New Zealand small and medium-sized business owners may see this as a distant issue, but the direction of global AI governance will directly affect technical standards, data flows and supply chain compliance costs. At present, the US, China and the EU are taking divergent paths on AI regulation, leaving firms exposed to fragmented rules.

New Zealand's own AI industry is limited in scale, but as a Five Eyes member and RCEP participant, its tech firms often need to balance between Chinese and US technology ecosystems. This diplomatic statement shows both sides intend to manage differences, but the term 'superintelligence' suggests the US may shift the focus of competition towards more frontier artificial general intelligence (AGI), which could accelerate technological decoupling. For NZ SMEs, if they rely on Chinese AI supply chains or US cloud services, they need to watch for changes in export controls and data localisation requirements.

At the same time, New Zealand has distinctive strengths in vertical sectors such as agritech and fintech, and can use its neutral position to take part in international AI standard-setting and reduce compliance uncertainty.

Keywords: artificial intelligence, Foreign Ministry spokesperson, China-US heads-of-state meeting, superintelligence, Q&A

Summary in Chinese | 摘要

2026年9月26日，中国外交部发言人就人工智能问题答记者问，回应美方在介绍此次访问成果时使用“超级智能”代替“人工智能”的提法。发言人表示，中美元首会晤时，就人工智能问题进行了深入讨论；关于人工智能表述问题，中方重视美方的立场，也尊重美方的提法。发言人指出，人工智能技术正在持续发展，各方可以结合最新形势，加强交流、深入探讨、寻求共识。

该答问由中国驻奥克兰总领馆网站发布，属于外交部发言人谈话栏目内容。

Commentary in Chinese | 评论

中美在人工智能领域的表述差异，从“人工智能”到“超级智能”，折射出技术竞赛背后的战略叙事之争。新西兰中小企业主或许觉得此事遥远，但全球AI治理的走向将直接影响技术标准、数据流动和供应链合规成本。当前，美国、中国、欧盟在AI监管上分道扬镳，企业面临碎片化规则的风险。

新西兰自身AI产业规模有限，但作为五眼联盟成员和RCEP参与方，其科技企业往往需要在中美技术生态之间寻找平衡。此次外交表态显示双方有意管控分歧，但“超级智能”一词暗示美国可能将竞争焦点转向更前沿的通用人工智能（AGI），这或将加速技术脱钩。对NZ SME而言，若依赖中国AI供应链或美国云服务，需关注出口管制与数据本地化要求的变化。

同时，新西兰在农业科技、金融科技等垂直领域有独特优势，可借中立地位参与国际AI标准制定，降低合规不确定性。

关键词: 人工智能, 外交部发言人, 中美元首会晤, 超级智能, 答记者问

Source: Chinese Consulate-General in Auckland – Into the Consular District