The pace of development in AI has been so rapid that smart machines can now perform tasks beyond the capabilities of humans. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The study of artificial intelligence, or AI, is at a tipping point, according to a computer scientist.

"China is a rising power in the field of AI work and research," says Fei-Fei Li, the chief scientist of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Google Cloud, while calling for enhanced AI cooperation between major powers.

Li made the remarks in a recent interview at Google's Beijing office.

In early December, Li said that Google would launch a new AI research center in Beijing, as part of its AI First strategy.

When asked what prompted Google to open its center in the Chinese capital, Li says: "We all recognize the importance of China because of its talent, and because of the incredible creativity and innovation that is already going on here."

The Google AI China Center, the first of its kind in Asia, will primarily focus on basic AI research.

"We've seen China paying a lot of attention to AI in terms of research, entrepreneurship, usage in industry as well as government support," says Li, noting that the Chinese government issued a plan for the development of "the new generation of AI" in July, and recently announced a three-year action plan.

"China is really a rising power, with more prominent global responsibility in technology, politics and culture," says the leading AI expert, adding that promoting cooperation between major countries will bring "extraordinary benefits" to humankind.