Humans or Algorithms: China Warns Against Making People Subordinate to Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is increasingly involved in decisions that once depended entirely on people: finding jobs, processing information, managing production and choosing products. But as algorithms take on greater responsibilities, a fundamental question becomes more urgent: are technologies expanding human freedom, or are they gradually beginning to shape human behavior?

This issue was at the center of Chinese Premier Li Qiang's address at the opening of the 2026 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, held on November 3 in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province.

The Chinese premier called for a people-centered approach to digital development. He argued that the internet and artificial intelligence should enhance human capabilities, expand individual choices and improve well-being rather than make people subordinate to technology.

When algorithms become decision-makers

Over recent years, the internet has evolved from a means of exchanging information into an infrastructure that increasingly shapes economic activity and everyday life. The spread of artificial intelligence is accelerating this transformation.

Digital systems can now analyze documents, operate equipment, handle customer inquiries and assist professionals with decisions. The next stage involves closer cooperation between people and machines, with algorithms not merely providing information but also performing specific tasks.

This creates opportunities for higher productivity. At the same time, it raises questions about responsibility: who should make the final decision when an automated recommendation affects employment, income, safety or access to services?

In his speech, Li emphasized that people must retain the leading role even as artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated. This approach suggests that efficiency alone cannot serve as the measure of technological progress. It also matters whether individuals can understand digital decisions, control automated actions and reject an algorithm's recommendation when necessary.

The changing nature of digital inequality

Another issue raised by the Chinese premier was the risk of widening disparities between countries and communities as artificial intelligence advances.

During earlier stages of digitalization, access to the internet was a central measure of technological inclusion. Today, the challenge is more complex: effective AI adoption requires not only connectivity and devices but also computing power, reliable data and skilled professionals.

Consequently, even countries with developed telecommunications networks may face disadvantages if they lack the resources to create and deploy advanced AI systems.

For individuals, the challenge takes a different form. Some workers can become more productive with digital assistants, while others may lack the skills needed to adapt to changing workplace requirements.

Digital inequality is therefore no longer solely about internet access. Increasingly, it concerns the ability of individuals and countries to use new technologies effectively.

Why digital security is becoming a matter of trust

Artificial intelligence is also changing the nature of online threats. Traditional cybersecurity concerns often focused on data breaches and computer attacks. Modern intelligent systems introduce additional risks, including convincing digital forgeries, inaccurate AI-generated information and manipulative content.

Algorithms can make digital services more convenient while also influencing which information users encounter and which choices appear most attractive. As a result, digital security is becoming closely connected not only to protecting technical infrastructure but also to preserving public trust. Li called for stronger international cooperation on cybersecurity and emphasized the importance of respecting countries' legitimate security concerns.

He also warned against creating a “digital iron curtain,” in which technological restrictions and fragmented digital ecosystems obstruct international cooperation.

Can artificial intelligence become a widely accessible resource?

International technological cooperation was another important theme of the address. China expressed its readiness to support technology transfer, knowledge sharing and an open digital innovation ecosystem.

Particular attention was given to countries of the Global South, which need investment in digital infrastructure and technological capabilities.

From an analytical perspective, this reveals an important tension. Artificial intelligence can accelerate progress in economic development, education and healthcare, yet building the most advanced systems requires substantial resources. The benefits of the new technological era may therefore become concentrated among a limited number of companies and countries.

International cooperation could help narrow this divide. However, its practical impact will depend on technology accessibility, conditions of use and countries' ability to develop their own expertise.

What will shape the future of the digital economy?

The World Internet Conference has been held for 13 consecutive years. Around 1,800 representatives of governments, international organizations, technology companies and academia attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 summit. Among the international guests was Yolanda Díaz, Spain's second deputy prime minister and minister for labor and social economy.

Following the opening ceremony, Li visited the Light of Internet Expo and the World Internet Science and Technology Museum in Wuzhen. Yet the central question raised at the conference extends far beyond a single technology forum.

In the coming years, what matters will not only be how powerful intelligent systems become, but also which rules govern their use. Will workers retain control over algorithmic decisions? Will smaller businesses gain access to advanced technologies? Will digital tools reduce inequality or create new barriers?

The answers will help determine whether artificial intelligence becomes a means of expanding human potential or a source of growing dependence on digital systems.

As reported by SSTV+, speaking at the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen on November 3, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for people-centered AI development, stronger international cooperation and measures to prevent the digital divide from widening.