People’s Daily commentary says unchecked use of Token and Agent threatens China’s tech discourse

A commentary published on Aug. 5 by People’s Daily’s Renmin Ruiping column argued that the growing use of untranslated English AI terms such as Token, Agent, and LLM in textbooks, policy materials, media coverage, and daily conversation is raising the barrier to public understanding and putting China’s technological discourse at risk. Written by Li Wei and titled “Using ‘Token’ or ‘Ciyuan’ Concerns Technological Discourse Power,” the piece said language has become part of strategic competition in artificial intelligence, not just a neutral tool for communication. The commentary pointed to earlier Chinese translations such as “computer” and “internet” as examples of successful localization, then contrasted that with the current prevalence of English terminology in AI. It said these terms are difficult for the public to grasp directly, compress the expressive space of Chinese, widen the digital divide, and weaken the integrity of the language system. It also tied terminology to scientific autonomy, arguing that if core concepts remain defined and explained through external linguistic frameworks, China will struggle to build its own original AI theory and technology narrative. The article called for a layered approach: keep English in international academic exchange and cross-border cooperation, but promote standardized Chinese translations in domestic public communication, education, and policy outreach.