US and China to hold first high-level talks on AI
The United States and China are gearing up for their inaugural high-level discussions on artificial intelligence in Geneva. Scheduled for Tuesday, officials from both countries are set to engage in a dialogue that centers around the emerging risks associated with AI systems and the differing perspectives on defining risk and safety in this domain.
While the primary focus of these talks is not centered on specific outcomes or deliverables, the exchange of views on the technical risks posed by AI is expected to be paramount. Both nations will shed light on their respective approaches to mitigating risks associated with AI, setting norms and principles on AI safety, and exploring avenues for international governance in the AI realm.
With differing priorities in the AI dialogue, Washington emphasizes the management of high-risk AI models, particularly those at the frontier of technological advancement. In contrast, Beijing leans towards fostering cooperative development in the AI space. Despite this disparity, both sides acknowledge the necessity of collaborating on regulating AI.
The upcoming meeting follows an agreement between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping regarding the importance of addressing AI risks and enhancing AI safety through dialogue. While Washington is wary of security risks posed by China’s AI deployments, the talks aim to facilitate constructive conversations on safety and risk management, thereby reinforcing the belief in a responsible and secure AI landscape.
As the US and China continue to set national standards for AI regulation, signs of potential collaboration in regulating AI have emerged. Both countries participated in global agreements affirming the urgency of addressing AI risks, underscoring a shared commitment towards responsible AI governance.
Although military applications of AI are a sensitive subject, tackling challenges such as human input in decision-making for autonomous weapons remains a key concern. While differences persist, mutual support for human involvement in AI-driven military systems highlights a common ground awaiting further exploration.
In essence, the high-level discussions on AI between the US and China represent a crucial step towards fostering transparency, enhancing safety standards, and cultivating a collaborative approach to AI regulation amid evolving global dynamics.
