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OpenAI Denies Assistance in Chinese Plot Against Takaichi

2/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 26, 2026, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had no knowledge of any OpenAI ChatGPT incident.
OpenAI said ChatGPT refused to assist a person tied to Chinese law enforcement in planning a campaign against Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
OpenAI linked the episode to a broader effort by Chinese authorities to suppress dissent.
The plan appeared before her election after she criticized Taiwan, prompting a rebuke from China.

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Story summary

On February 26, 2026, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had no knowledge of any OpenAI ChatGPT incident.
OpenAI said ChatGPT refused to assist a person tied to Chinese law enforcement in planning a campaign against Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
OpenAI linked the episode to a broader effort by Chinese authorities to suppress dissent.
The plan appeared before her election after she criticized Taiwan, prompting a rebuke from China.