China Takes Center Stage at Global AI Safety Summit
China is set to take a leading role in the first Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit, being held in the UK from November 1-2, 2023. A delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, led by Vice Minister Wu Zhaohui, will attend the summit to introduce the Global AI Governance Initiative launched by China during the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October.
The summit is significant not only for its focus on cutting-edge science and technology issues but also due to its political implications in terms of interest allocation and rule-making. Chinese analysts emphasize that without China’s participation, the summit would be incomplete. They argue that cooperation between China and the US, as leading countries in the field of AI, is crucial for the development of AI technology and governance.
China’s President Xi Jinping announced the Global Artificial Intelligence Governance Initiative during the Third Belt and Road Forum. The Initiative outlines China’s plan for AI governance, encompassing AI development, security, and governance. China will use the AI Safety Summit in the UK as a platform to explain the significance and details of the Initiative to all participants.
As a member of the developing world, China aims to strengthen exchanges and communication with all summit participants to address AI safety issues and reflect the common concerns of the Global South regarding emerging technologies. China also emphasizes the need to promote AI technology for the benefit of mankind and global sustainable development, working towards building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The AI Safety Summit, convened by the UK, aims to bring together governments, academia, and companies at the forefront of AI to discuss how to contain the risks associated with the technology. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wants the UK to act as an intermediary between the economic blocs of the US, China, and the European Union.
The decision to invite China to the summit has faced some pressure from a few short-sighted and biased UK politicians who fail to recognize China’s advantages in the field of AI. However, experts argue that excluding China from discussions on rule-making for cutting-edge technology would render them invalid and incomplete. China’s presence is crucial for ensuring a truly global and representative event.
Chinese AI scientists have joined Western academics in calling for tighter controls on AI technology. They believe that advanced AI poses an existential risk to humanity and support the establishment of international norms for AI usage. The summit provides an opportunity for major players like China, the US, and the EU to reach consensus on regulatory risks and controls, which would be significant for the future development of AI.
Cooperation between China and the US is crucial for advancing AI technology and governance. Both countries have their own strengths and can benefit from sharing expertise and knowledge. However, some voices in the US seek to contain China’s development in AI. The UK’s AI safety summit provides a platform for China to convey the viewpoint of win-win cooperation, potentially influencing US policy formulation.
In conclusion, China’s participation in the Global AI Safety Summit is crucial for ensuring the event’s global significance and representation. China’s leadership in AI development and governance, along with its commitment to international cooperation and common interests, makes its input invaluable. The summit provides an opportunity to establish international norms for AI usage and address the risks associated with the technology. Cooperation between China and the US is essential for the advancement of AI technology and benefitting mankind as a whole.
