China-related AI safety and governance

China is a leading country in AI. If you have a background in China you may be able to help ensure its development benefits everyone.

Narrated by AI.

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Outline:

(02:50) Sometimes recommended -- personal fit dependent

(03:02) Review status

(03:07) Why pursue this path?

(03:11) 1. Safely managing the introduction of AI may require unprecedented international coordination.

(04:46) 2. Coordination between China and the US on AI safety would require deliberate effort.

(05:54) 3. There is growing interest in AI safety and governance in China.

(08:20) 4. You could help pioneer the subfield of China-Western coordination on AI safety and governance.

(09:45) 5. Gaining and leveraging expertise on China is a promising option in general.

(10:49) Arguments against pursuing this path

(10:53) 1. It's far from guaranteed you'd have a large impact in this career.

(12:53) 2. There is a possibility of doing harm.

(14:01) 3. There are potential abuses of AI-enabled technology.

(15:10) 4. There are complex international political considerations and uncertainties.

(18:09) Do I need to be Chinese to pursue these paths?

(20:31) Ideas for where to aim longer term

(20:52) AI safety researchers and engineers at top Chinese AI companies

(24:01) AI safety researchers and professors at top Chinese AI academic labs

(26:26) AI governance researchers at Chinese think tanks and universities

(28:43) AI governance researchers at key long-term-focused research groups

(30:10) AI safety and interdisciplinary researchers focusing on problems of cooperation

(32:46) AI-focused translators and publishing advisors

(34:16) AI governance or policy advisors at top Chinese AI companies

(37:07) AI governance or policy advisors at top AI companies in the US and UK

(39:01) China AI analysts at top think tanks in the US and the UK

(40:54) Alternative routes that we haven't investigated

(42:20) Personal fit

(42:45) Bilingualism and/or cross-cultural communication skills

(43:38) Strong networking abilities (especially for policy roles)

(44:02) Good judgement and prudence

(45:12) Learn more

(47:14) Additional resources

(47:18) Top recommendations

(47:51) Further recommendations

The original text contained 23 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

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First published:
February 10th, 2022

Last updated:
February 17th, 2026

Source:
https://80000hours.org/career-reviews/china-related-ai-safety-governance

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.