Chinese AI Scientist Calls Out Zhipu: Letter on AGI Responsibility

What Happened

Tang Jie from Chinese AI startup Zhipu (creator of GLM models) wrote an internal letter — later made public — appealing to company leadership to change course and prioritize safety over speed in AGI development. The letter was inspired by the concept of the 'Great Wave' — a metaphor for uncontrolled AI development.

Context

• Zhipu is one of China's leading AI firms with government ties
• The letter is exceptional: internal criticism of AGI strategy is rare in China
• It reflects growing concerns even within the Chinese AI community about the pace of development

Why It Matters

It shows that the debate about AI safety and AGI responsibility is not just Western-centric — it also exists in China, albeit in a different regulatory environment.