High-level envoys from the United States and China are scheduled to convene in Geneva for talks on artificial intelligence (AI) on Tuesday. The meeting aims to address the risks associated with the rapid advancement of AI technology and explore the establishment of shared standards to effectively manage its development.
The dialogue marks the inaugural exchange of views under an intergovernmental agreement on AI, which was reached during a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco last November. Both nations view AI as pivotal for national security and economic growth.
The Biden administration has emphasized its commitment to fostering the development of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI. Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed plans to engage in voluntary commitments with leading companies in the sector and mandate safety testing for AI products.
The U.S. government is particularly attentive to China's AI initiatives, expressing concerns about potential threats to national security. Efforts are underway to maintain a competitive edge over Beijing, especially in the realm of AI applications in weapons systems.
China, through its official Xinhua news agency, indicated that discussions with the U.S. would encompass topics such as the technological risks associated with AI and global governance.
Experts highlight the significant investments made by both countries in AI for civilian and military purposes. However, there is a perceived reluctance on China's part to engage in discussions with the U.S. regarding AI risks. The upcoming talks are seen as an opportunity for mutual understanding and trust-building on AI-related issues.
The U.S. delegation is led by key officials, including presidential adviser Tarun Chhabra and acting special envoy Seth Center from the State Department. The meeting underscores the global race among governments to regulate AI advancements as the technology continues to evolve rapidly, poised to revolutionize various aspects of daily life.
Government leaders from multiple countries are expected to gather in Seoul next week for further discussions on the safety of cutting-edge AI models, following a previous meeting held last year in Britain.
