Senior officials from the United States and China have been meeting discreetly in Geneva, Switzerland to address and discuss potential risks and challenges associated with artificial intelligence (AI). The talks, agreed upon by President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping, aim to prevent harm from AI and establish common ground on AI safety.
Participants include Tarun Chhabra, a representative of the White House National Security Council, and Dr. Seth Center, the acting special envoy for critical and emerging technology at the State Department. They will engage with their Chinese counterparts from the Foreign Ministry and the National Development and Reform Commission.
Despite the contrasting views between the US and China on various AI-related issues, the two countries maintain the importance of open communication on critical AI risks to ensure global safety. Accordingly, the agenda of the talks covers a broad spectrum of AI-related safety issues, with a particular focus on AI in military contexts. However, the ongoing US sanctions against China are not part of the discussion.
The meetings are expected to contribute to the international momentum to create a framework for AI governance. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has voiced his support for the establishment of an agency to audit and control AI risks, similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Achieving international collaboration on AI safety is a significant challenge, with countries like Russia potentially being resistant to such agreements. Nevertheless, the US and China have demonstrated a willingness to cooperate on AI issues at the international level. Earlier this year, the US introduced a non-binding resolution at the UN calling for “safe, secure, and trustworthy” AI that received China’s support.
China’s motivation to engage in these talks may be driven in part by the US’s advanced AI weaponry technology, such as autonomous fighter jets. Assurances from the US on the use of this technology could be beneficial to China.
Jason Glassberg, co-founder of Casaba Security and an expert on AI threats, believes the talks will likely lay the groundwork for future dialogue rather than yield immediate results. He emphasized the significance of both nations acknowledging the potential dangers of AI misuse. Current areas of high risk include the use of deepfakes and disinformation campaigns.
While the talks between the US and China continue, the possibility of establishing an international agency for AI safety becomes increasingly likely.
