AI's role in cultural domain discussed

China’s two-day Forum on Building up China’s Cultural Strength 2026 in Shenzhen, Guangdong, focused on the impact of artificial intelligence in cultural development. Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivered a keynote speech stressing AI’s role in reshaping cultural production, media, and public opinion ecosystems. He urged accelerating tech-cultural integration while ensuring AI aligns with ethical standards, emphasizing that human creativity and inspiration remain irreplaceable. Sun Maosong, a Tsinghua University computer science professor, noted generative AI’s potential to revolutionize knowledge production across industries but warned of challenges in authenticity, reliability, and security. He advocated for AI serving as a supportive tool under human leadership, cautioning against its overreach in cultural processes. The forum followed recent AI-driven cultural milestones in China, including the December test screening of *The Reunion Journey*, the country’s first fully AI-generated animated film, and regulatory approval for Bona Film Group’s AI-produced sci-fi film *Sanxingdui: Future Memories*. Experts also stressed the need for stronger cultural heritage protection, with Wang Jun of the Palace Museum advocating for legal recognition of traditional settlements and landscapes. Li called for digital transformation in cultural industries while balancing innovation with risk management. Sun’s remarks underscored the tension between AI’s efficiency and the need for human oversight in creative fields. The discussions reflect China’s push to harness AI for cultural advancement while safeguarding artistic integrity and societal values.