A US-led effort to establish responsible military use of artificial intelligence (AI) has gained the support of 45 countries, signaling an important step in mitigating risks associated with the cutting-edge technology. Notable endorsers of the declaration include key American partners and allies such as Australia, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea. However, China, known for its advancements in AI, was notably absent from the list of endorsers. The move to implement the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy, which consists of 10 measures, serves as the foundation for an international framework of responsibility in AI use, allowing states to harness its benefits while minimizing risks.
The endorsement of the declaration comes as the United States hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. AI is expected to feature prominently on the agenda, and the declaration serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among nations. The summit provides an opportunity for countries to further advance discussions on AI and explore potential collaborations in this area.
While President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping are expected to pledge a ban on the use of AI in autonomous weaponry and nuclear warhead control and deployment during their meeting, it remains unclear if any broader agreements or understandings on AI will be announced at the APEC summit. The absence of China from the US-led initiative can be attributed to the state of US-China competition, as China, while supporting many of the declaration’s proposals, may be hesitant to endorse a US-led effort on responsible military AI.
China’s approach to AI regulation and development appears to be centered around engaging in multilateral discussions and observing the evolving landscape while maintaining flexibility. By participating in broad international discussions about AI regulation, China gains insights into new ideas and progress in AI management, and enhances its image as a responsible global power. Ultimately, China’s participation ensures that it has a voice in shaping future AI governance rules and norms.
The endorsement of the declaration by 45 countries is a significant development in the responsible military use of AI. With key nations coming together to establish a framework of responsibility, the risks associated with AI can be effectively mitigated, allowing nations to harness the benefits of this advanced technology while ensuring its ethical and responsible application in a military context.
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