Global leaders and AI firms warn of extreme AI risks

Asian political leaders and commentators emphasize the need to prevent 'unbridled' AI development that could undermine social stability and smaller states’ autonomy. They attribute risk to a race between major powers and multinational tech firms that may externalize harms onto less powerful countries. They call for stronger guardrails, including state‑led oversight, ethical norms, and protections for developing countries in global AI governance structures.

• •Regional leaders such as Bhutan’s prime minister argue that major powers and global tech companies are driving AI development at a pace that smaller states cannot regulate or influence.
• •Asian officials claim that without guardrails on cross‑border AI deployment, powerful models could amplify surveillance, disinformation, and economic dependency in developing countries.
• •Regional voices contend that international AI governance must include protections for data sovereignty and cultural norms of smaller states, not just the interests of large economies.
• •Commentators in Asian outlets argue that state‑centric regulation and licensing of high‑risk AI systems are necessary to prevent private firms from setting de facto global standards.
• •Some regional analysts warn that an AI arms race between the US and China could pressure neighboring countries to align technologically and politically in ways that reduce their strategic autonomy.