Over 800 people, including university students and researchers, gathered recently in Beijing for a science lecture on general artificial intelligence hosted by the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

The CPPCC, the country's top political advisory body, regularly convenes to discuss and offer suggestions on major national issues. This lecture, delivered by Zhu Songchun, a CPPCC National Committee member and director of the Beijing Institute for General AI, marks the third in a series of public science lectures aimed at fostering public understanding of various scientific advancements.

During the talk, Zhu addressed audience concerns about AI's vulnerability to external attacks and control mechanisms, sparking lively discussions. He used his expertise and practical examples to answer questions and clarify doubts, leaving a lasting impression on the students with his passion and dedication to the dissemination of scientific knowledge.

This initiative builds upon previous efforts by the CPPCC to bridge the gap between science and the public. Last year, prominent academic figures like Shi Yigong and Pan Jianwei delivered lectures on life sciences and quantum information technology, respectively. Additionally, 14 CPPCC members from fields including education and science traveled to various provinces to give lectures in grassroots communities, reaching more than 10,000 people and garnering over 300,000 online views.

"As a CPPCC member and a scientific worker, it is my duty to assist in popularizing science and imparting scientific knowledge," Zhu emphasized, reflecting the broader commitment of the organization to serving the public by leveraging the expertise of its members.

The series of lectures aligns with the CPPCC's recent call for political advisers to actively engage in public service and contribute their knowledge and talents to addressing practical issues faced by the people.

This initiative aims to strengthen the sense of responsibility among the advisers and enhance their close ties with the public, thereby promoting their ability to provide valuable suggestions for the country.

Members from various fields were also organized to utilize their expertise to serve people at the grassroots. For instance, members specializing in social and legal affairs provided online and offline legal advocacy as well as free legal consultation services to the public.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, called for continuous efforts to organize such activities.

He said during the 14th Chairperson's Council meeting of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing on Tuesday that the CPPCC must uphold the principle of serving the people, and CPPCC members must be guided to better fulfill their duties for the country and the people.

Highlighting in-depth consultations revolving around comprehensively deepening reform, Wang called for organizing members of the CPPCC National Committee to carry out solid research to better contribute to Chinese modernization.