US-China Talks Aim to Address Emerging Risks of Artificial Intelligence

The United States and China are set to convene in Geneva on Tuesday for their first formal bilateral discussions on advanced artificial intelligence (AI). While the US emphasizes these talks won’t involve negotiation on its policies, reducing potential risks associated with this evolving technology will be a key focus.

The Biden administration’s engagement with China on AI follows similar efforts across various issues, aiming to bridge communication gaps between the two nations. This initiative builds on discussions held between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in April, where initial agreements were reached to hold dedicated talks on AI.

A key concern raised by the US State Department relates to the potential safety implications of China’s rapid AI development across civilian, military, and national security domains. These concerns extend to the potential impact on US and allied security interests. The US aims to leverage these talks to directly communicate these anxieties.

The US has made it clear that collaboration on cutting-edge AI research or technical cooperation isn’t on the agenda. Additionally, the US maintains that its existing technology protection policies are non-negotiable.

Previous reports from Reuters indicate plans by the Biden administration to implement safeguards on US-developed AI models powering popular chatbots like ChatGPT. These measures aim to prevent unauthorized access by countries like China and Russia.

While the US and China acknowledge differing perspectives on many AI topics and applications, a shared objective of fostering global safety through communication on critical AI risks has been acknowledged by US officials.

Leading the US delegation will be Tarun Chhabra, a National Security Council official, and Seth Center, the acting State Department special envoy for critical and emerging technology. Their Chinese counterparts will include representatives from China’s Foreign Ministry and the National Development and Reform Commission.

The urgency for establishing regulations around rapidly advancing AI technology is further underscored by initiatives like those of US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. He plans to release recommendations in the coming weeks to address AI risks, which will then be translated into specific legislation.

Competition with China and its pursuit of AI for potentially intrusive applications such as facial recognition technology is a key motivator behind the US push for leadership in setting AI regulations.

In contrast, Chinese authorities have emphasized the need for their own “controllable” AI technology. The upcoming US-China dialogue presents a crucial opportunity to navigate potentially conflicting AI development trajectories and establish a framework for responsible AI advancement on the global stage.