Stephen Hawking has warned China that the rise of powerful artificial intelligence could be “either the best or the worst thing ever to happen to humanity” as the country’s technology companies pour resources into competing with Western rivals in a race to dominate the field.

World-renowned physicist’s stark warning comes amid fierce global competition to develop artificial intelligence technology.

PUBLISHED : Thursday, 27 April, 2017, 3:48pm.

UPDATED : Thursday, 27 April, 2017, 3:48pm.