Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 1, 2025

Expanding the Legal Governance Path of Artificial Intelligence

(Abstract)

Zhang Linghan

The legal governance of artificial intelligence is currently in the rule-forming stage. A contradiction exists between the “simplification” of risk-based governance approaches and the increasing “complexification” of AI governance demands. Despite efforts at localization within China’s existing legislative practices, these refinements have yet to overcome inherent limitations. As China’s AI governance advances into a stage of systemic integration, the focus must be on fostering a harmonious interaction between high-quality development and high-level security. Adaptive governance principles should guide efforts to balance safety and development, address the governance demands arising from the complex, multi-dimensional nature of AI systems, and accommodate the uncertainties and unknowns of technological progress. On this basis, it is necessary to build an adaptive legal governance framework, system and tool box tailored to form a legal governance path that conforms to China’s domestic institutional environment, technological and industrial foundation, and legal and policy objectives.