In a pivotal meeting today in San Francisco, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are anticipated to reach a significant agreement banning the deployment of artificial intelligence in autonomous weapons systems. According to reports from the South China Morning Post, this ban will encompass critical weaponry such as drones, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in contemporary conflicts, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Discussions between the two leaders at this historic gathering, held amid the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, are expected to center around the substantial risks posed by AI in military applications. The conversation comes as tensions between the U.S. and China escalate due to trade disputes, with the U.S. implementing tighter restrictions on exports of advanced AI technology to China, stemming from national security considerations. As the leading competitor in artificial intelligence, China's military capabilities could be significantly enhanced through access to America’s cutting-edge AI hardware and software.
A recent report from the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission underscored the intensifying rivalry, stating that the relationship between the two nations is characterized by “continuing, long-term strategic and systemic competition.” This underscores the urgency of discussions surrounding AI in military contexts.
Despite these tensions, China has expressed its own concerns regarding the dangers associated with artificial intelligence. Recently, alongside the U.S., the European Union, and representatives from 26 other countries, China participated in an AI Safety Summit hosted by U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This summit culminated in a joint agreement aimed at collaboratively mitigating the potential risks posed by AI technologies.
Further illustrating this commitment to responsible AI use in military operations, the U.S. and China endorsed principles during the inaugural global summit focused on military AI, held in the Netherlands. The February event, known as REAIM (Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain), saw the U.S. advocate for a novel legal and diplomatic framework designed to foster international collaboration on military AI.
In early October, President Xi Jinping unveiled the Global AI Governance Initiative, which promotes the ethical development and governance of AI technologies for societal benefit. This initiative includes establishing an assessment system based on AI risk levels, alongside a call for the formation of an international institution to oversee AI governance, as stated by a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Simultaneously, President Biden signed an executive order aimed at regulating artificial intelligence, which establishes requirements for public vetting of AI models developed by prominent firms. The order also seeks to encourage immigration pathways for top AI talent, among other regulatory provisions. In a parallel effort, Vice President Kamala Harris announced the establishment of the U.S. AI Safety Institute to set comprehensive guidelines for overseeing AI development and deployment.
The discussions and initiatives stemming from this significant meeting symbolize a concerted effort by both nations to address the challenges and responsibilities that come with the integration of artificial intelligence into military frameworks. As the global landscape evolves, collaboration in AI governance will be crucial to safeguarding societal interests and maintaining international stability.
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