Ministers meet the media: Highlights (5)

China's Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang receives an interview after the second plenary meeting of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

Continuing reforms will benefit scientists, technology experts

China will continue reforms to streamline administration and improve services for science workers, allowing them to focus on their research and create new innovations to benefit society, Wang Zhigang, minister of science and technology said on Friday.

As a result, China issued new rules and regulations last year to motivate science workers and unleash their full innovative potential, he added.

Expanded intl cooperation on AI research coming

China will expand international cooperation in researching artificial intelligence, as well as tackling new social and ethical challenges posed by the new technology, Wang said.

Scientists have been researching artificial intelligence for more than 60 years, but people are now concerned about the technology due to its impact on personal privacy and other social issues, said Wang.

"Now AI is not just confined to the lab, it has entered society," he said, adding the technology has intertwined with laws, ethics, and social morality. Development in AI technology also is faster than that in laws, ethics, and public governance, he added.