AI in the eyes of writers, Sinologists

“I will never use AI to write,” thundered the established writer, whose works have been translated into more than 20 languages.

Identifying himself as a pleasure-seeking writer, Bi said that the main reason he chose writing as a profession is that it allows him to experience and express the world through words, which he enjoys most in life.

“To write is my ability. It is also my right,” he stated.

“I wouldn’t use AI even if it could better my novel writing. That means I would lose my right. Then what do I need this better novel for?”

"Technological progress certainly provides us with convenience and happiness in many areas of life. However, when it comes to writing, I prefer to do it myself. It is my sacred right, and I will not allow anything to infringe upon it," the writer expressed.

Xu Zechen, another winner of the Mao Dun Literature Prize, showed mixed feelings about this subject.

“Although AI hasn't yet affected my writing, I feel pessimistic about its rapidly evolving creative capabilities. As AI continues to expand its database, it is likely to replace most creatives, including writers, since truly original works are rare in the world,” the author of Northward and Jerusalem told the China Daily website.

On a more positive note, Xu, lauded as one of the best Chinese writers born in the 1970s, said he believes in humans’ ability to upgrade themselves, especially for writers.

“As long as we work hard to stimulate our potential, find our unique voice, and update our understanding of the world, we, as humans, can hardly be replaced by machines,” he said.