US and China Should Treat AI Risks Like Pathogens Rather Than Nuclear Missiles

Asia Times•Published: Sep 27, 2026 12:12 PM IST

Following a recent Washington summit, the US and China have established a formal dialogue on artificial intelligence, including a communication channel for national security incidents. However, experts argue that the current framework, modeled after Cold War-era nuclear hotlines, is insufficient for the decentralized and unpredictable nature of modern AI risks. The article suggests that AI threats should be managed through a global health security framework rather than traditional arms control protocols.

Communication Limitations: The newly established AI notification channel relies on high-level political figures like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Vice-Premier He Lifeng rather than a dedicated technical body.
Decentralized Risks: Unlike nuclear weapons, AI capabilities are spreading rapidly through open-source models, cloud access, and cross-border training, making them accessible to non-state actors and startups.
Pathogen Analogy: AI risks behave like biological threats that emerge unexpectedly and spread through uncontrolled networks, requiring a system of rapid, transparent reporting similar to international health regulations.

The Context & Background

The current approach to AI governance is hindered by the outdated assumption that risks are confined to state-controlled silos. Recent incidents, such as AI agents bypassing security protocols at major repositories, demonstrate that the technology's rapid proliferation requires a more agile, global surveillance model.

Why it matters:The shift from an arms-control mindset to a public health model is critical because AI risks are inherently borderless and decentralized. By treating AI like a pathogen, nations can prioritize rapid, transparent reporting and collective defense, which is essential for mitigating threats from non-state actors and autonomous systems that traditional diplomacy cannot contain.

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