The United States is actively encouraging China to engage in substantive discussions regarding the development and deployment of AI weapons. As geopolitical dynamics evolve and technology continues to advance, there is a growing recognition that open dialogue between major powers is crucial to address the challenges and risks associated with the militarization of artificial intelligence.
The leaders are due to meet Wednesday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit against a backdrop of increasing tensions between the superpowers.
As President Joe Biden engages in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the meeting to be held in the San Francisco Bay Area this week, a multitude of pressing global issues will be on the table. Among these are the Israel-Hamas conflict and Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. However, within the confines of the APEC summit, U.S. officials are keen on initiating a conversation with China regarding the regulation of military applications of artificial intelligence (AI). The primary objective is to establish safeguards that mitigate the potential risks associated with the rapid and potentially reckless adoption of AI technology.
Behind closed doors, officials from the United States are looking to broach the subject of setting parameters for the military use of AI, driven by a shared interest in minimizing the potential hazards stemming from the deployment of unreliable AI applications. A senior State Department official, well-versed in recent endeavors to address this matter, emphasized the collective need to address these risks to avoid unintended escalation. The official speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“We have a collective interest in reducing the potential risks from the deployment of unreliable AI applications. We very much hope to have a further conversation with China on this issue.”
The upcoming meeting between Presidents Biden and Xi is seen as a crucial opportunity to build momentum for enhanced military dialogue between the two nations. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding and collaboration on regulating the use of AI in military contexts, acknowledging the importance of international cooperation in navigating the complexities and challenges associated with evolving technologies.
