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Chinese AI Poses High Risk: Hastie Urges Business Caution

The Australian

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Date Published
4 Sept 2026
Priority Score
4
Australian
Yes
Created
5 Sept 2026, 02:00 pm

Authors (1)

Description

Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie has warned Australia cannot be held ransom to a ‘hostile state actor with a kill switch’.

Summary

Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie highlights the national security implications of Chinese-developed AI, warning that Australia must avoid dependency on systems controlled by 'hostile state actors' capable of implementing a 'kill switch.' The argument emphasizes that reliance on frontier AI from geopolitical rivals presents significant catastrophic risks to domestic infrastructure and sovereign decision-making. These concerns align with broader global AI governance debates regarding the security of supply chains and the potential for adversarial AI to be used in state-sponsored disruptions. This intervention calls for Australian businesses and policymakers to prioritize safety and strategic autonomy when deploying high-capability AI models.

Body

Chinese AI poses high risk: Hastie urges business cautionLiberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie has warned Australia cannot be held ransom to a ‘hostile state actor with a kill switch’. All your news for a great price Unlock this story and more with your subscription Digital Access What’s included Unlimited access on app & web A digital version of Today’s Paper Daily puzzles & Mind Games A subscription to The Wall Street Journal Subscriber-exclusive newsletters & early access to tomorrow’s front pages Pay As You Go No lock-in contract $1 a week for 4 weeks($4 min. cost). Then $44 charged every 4 weeks.* *Read the fine print The Australian Digital subscription costs $4 charged for a duration of 4 weeks, after which it automatically renews to $44 charged every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. 12 Month Plan Lock in & save $6.50 a week for the first 12 months($338 min. cost) charged as $26 every 4 weeks. Then $26 charged every 4 weeks.* *Read the fine print The Australian Digital subscription 12 Month Plan costs $338 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $26 every 4 weeks. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $26 (min. cost) every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.theaustralian.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Subscribe Other subscription options Print + Digital Subscriptions Corporate Subscriptions Student Subscription Verified journalism. Expert analysis. Study smarter and stay informed with a student subscription View offer View offer Your Selection: $0 Your Selection – Change selection Today’s Total $0 Read the fine print Terms and Conditions Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.