Wang Zhigang, minister of science and technology, has called on Chinese scientists and companies to better facilitate the development and ethical use of artificial intelligence.

AI chatbot ChatGPT has become a global sensation due to its ability to formulate coherent and detailed answers to inquiries ranging from essay prompts to computer coding.

China has conducted years of research in natural language processing and understanding, the technology that made ChatGPT possible, Wang said on the sidelines of the first plenary session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing on Sunday.

"Whether it is Chinese or foreign companies, we hope more people can create better products in the field of artificial intelligence," he said. "But at the same time, we have to pay attention to scientific and technological ethics and try to take advantage of the technology while avoiding its downsides."

Wang said China proposed an eight-item principle on AI governance in 2019 that encourages the safe, fair and responsible use of AI.

In addition, China has developed several application scenarios for AI, such as smart ports, to facilitate the commercialization of AI technologies, he said.

Wang said he hopes AI can contribute to China's socioeconomic growth, and also that Chinese researchers and companies can contribute to the global development of AI.