Risk analysis and governance implications of integrating artificial intelligence and biotechnology

The continuous integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, represented by machine learning, deep learning, and foundation models, with biotechnology has brought numerous benefits to human health, but it has also inevitably given rise to a series of risks that have attracted significant attention from governments, businesses, think tanks, and research institutions. This paper analyzes the potential risks of integrating AI and biotechnology, focusing on knowledge acquisition, toxin design, and pathogen modification. We review the current status of AI governance in the global biotechnology field from four perspectives: international frameworks, national legislation, industry guidelines, and scientist initiatives. To mitigate relevant risks in China, we propose a series of recommendations, including developing risk assessment methods and tools, strengthening legislation, and actively participating in global governance, aiming to contribute to the construction of a responsible governance framework with Chinese characteristics.