The Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) at Tsinghua University held the 26th session of “CISS StratFocus” on April 27, 2026, under the theme “Biosecurity Governance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” The forum was moderated by CISS Senior Fellow Dong Ting and featured Bao Yuhan, Lecturer at the School of International Organizations of Beijing Foreign Studies University, as the keynote speaker.
Bao Yuhan introduced the concept of biosecurity and systematically analyzed the new challenges and opportunities facing global biosecurity governance from the perspective of the convergence of artificial intelligence and biotechnology. He pointed out that AI-powered biological tools are reshaping research paradigms in the life sciences, while the dual-use nature of these technologies has also generated unprecedented security concerns. Throughout the “design-build-test-learn” cycle of engineering biology, artificial intelligence has not only significantly enhanced and expanded existing technological capabilities, but also substantially lowered the barriers to entry for biotechnology. At the same time, AI may generate large quantities of previously unknown biological sequences and information beyond current human understanding, posing unprecedented challenges to the regulation, identification, and prevention of biosecurity risks.
Bao further noted that the international community is currently at a critical window for reshaping global rules and norms. While fully harnessing the positive role of artificial intelligence in biosecurity prevention and control, the international community must also promote responsible innovation in the integration of AI and life sciences. At the same time, it should strengthen international dialogue and institutional innovation to build a forward-looking and resilient global governance framework.
During the Q&A session, audience members continued the discussion by raising questions concerning the latest practices in synthetic biology, the role of scientists in biosecurity governance, and the potential space for cooperation among major powers in the field of biosecurity. Drawing on cutting-edge academic research and practical experience, Bao Yuhan provided detailed and constructive responses to each question, offering unique perspectives and profound insights into biosecurity governance in the age of artificial intelligence.
