In recent years, China has emerged as a pioneer in formulating some of the world’s earliest and most comprehensive rules concerning algorithms, deepfakes, and generative artificial intelligence services. This proactive approach has led many to view China as a global frontrunner in AI regulation, while also raising concerns that Beijing’s approach may hinder innovation. In this talk, Angela Zhang will challenge this widely-held perception, revealing a more intricate and strategic regulatory landscape in China. 

Drawing upon insights from her newly released book, High Wire: How China Regulates Big Tech and Governs Its Economy, Angela will explore the multifaceted nature of China's institutional dynamics and their impact on AI regulation. She will also provide an in-depth analysis of the Chinese government's nuanced strategy, which leverages the expressive power of the law to strategically enable the growth of its AI industry. Additionally, she will discuss the implications of China's approach to AI enforcement for the domestic industry, the global tech rivalry, and the prospects for international cooperation.

Join this engaging and informative talk as Angela delves into the dynamic complexities of China's AI regulatory landscape and its broader implications for the future of AI governance.

This event is jointly organised by the School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet), the Australian Centre on China in the World, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs and the ANU College of Law.

About the speaker

Angela Zhang is an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Hong Kong and Director of the Philip K. H. Wong Center for Chinese Law. Widely recognized as a leading authority on China’s tech regulation, Angela has written extensively on this topic. She is the author of Chinese Antitrust Exceptionalism: How the Rise of China Challenges Global Regulation, (Oxford, 2021), which was named one of the Best Political Economy Books of 2021 by ProMarket. Angela's second book, High Wire: How China Regulates Big Tech and Governs Its Economy, was released by Oxford University Press in March 2024. In fall 2024, Angela will join the University of Southern California as a Professor of Law.

COVID protocols

The ANU strongly encourages you to keep a mask with you at all times (for use when COVID-19 safe behaviours are not practicable) and to be respectful of colleagues, students and visitors who may wish to continue to wear one. Please continue to practice good hygiene. If you are unwell, please stay home. The ACT government’s COVID Smart behaviours can be accessed here.

This seminar presentation is a dual-delivery event. Registration is required for both in-person (for catering purposes) and Zoom attendance. RSVPs for catering purposes will close 10:00am 6 May. After this deadline, you are still welcome to attend the talk in-person without RSVP'ing, noting that food may not be provisioned for you. Zoom registration will remain open until after the event concludes.

If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan please email regnet.communications@anu.edu.au.

Image credit: Image of 'The Promise and Perils of China’s Regulation of Artificial Intelligence' book cover by Angela Zhang, from Oxford University Press website.