One thing strikes me as weird about this. The big advantage that China as a nation can claim is cheap flexible intelligent labor (people). And if the AI-robot gamble fails, or gets overregulated, then they still have that advantage. Gambling on an idea that undercuts one of their big advantages, is weird to me. Why don't they just double down on global regulation (based on safety concerns) instead?
China is well on its way toward “industrial upgrading”, with technological advancement as the core. Cheap labor (or intelligent labor) initially allowed China to accumulate the wealth needed to raise its citizens' standard of living. Eventually, the costs of labor are bound to keep rising. As people grow accustomed to a more affluent life, they naturally expect better welfare and less work hours which I totally agree. There is simply no turning back from the people's pursuit of a better life. So “cheap” would be the wrong word to use.
Currently, the global economy is in a state of stagnation. AI could be the breakthrough. Even if it isn't, it’s worth a try, especially since no one has found a better way to overcome this. Just as industrialization drove China’s growth and national prosperity, it is natural that we look to the next technological window. After all, it is far better than starting a war.
Furthermore, China is facing an unprecedented birth rate crisis. Its status as a population superpower may not last forever. A look at the modern history of countries like South Korea and Singapore makes this pretty clear: the demographic dividend is always temporary.
One thing strikes me as weird about this. The big advantage that China as a nation can claim is cheap flexible intelligent labor (people). And if the AI-robot gamble fails, or gets overregulated, then they still have that advantage. Gambling on an idea that undercuts one of their big advantages, is weird to me. Why don't they just double down on global regulation (based on safety concerns) instead?
China is well on its way toward “industrial upgrading”, with technological advancement as the core. Cheap labor (or intelligent labor) initially allowed China to accumulate the wealth needed to raise its citizens' standard of living. Eventually, the costs of labor are bound to keep rising. As people grow accustomed to a more affluent life, they naturally expect better welfare and less work hours which I totally agree. There is simply no turning back from the people's pursuit of a better life. So “cheap” would be the wrong word to use.
Currently, the global economy is in a state of stagnation. AI could be the breakthrough. Even if it isn't, it’s worth a try, especially since no one has found a better way to overcome this. Just as industrialization drove China’s growth and national prosperity, it is natural that we look to the next technological window. After all, it is far better than starting a war.
Furthermore, China is facing an unprecedented birth rate crisis. Its status as a population superpower may not last forever. A look at the modern history of countries like South Korea and Singapore makes this pretty clear: the demographic dividend is always temporary.