GENEVA. Top envoys from the U.S. and China convened in Geneva on Tuesday for closed-door discussions aimed at addressing the benefits and risks associated with AI technology, in a move reflecting the global importance of artificial intelligence.
The talks, initiated by Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping late last year, mark the beginning of a bilateral dialogue between the two largest economies in the world. This dialogue is crucial as AI technology rapidly evolves, impacting various sectors such as trade, culture, politics, national security, and defense.
Leading the American delegation were senior White House and State Department officials. This meeting offers a rare glimpse into Beijing’s typically reserved stance on AI, according to U.S. technology experts.
Jason Glassberg, co-founder of Casaba Security and an expert on AI threats, described the meeting as a foundational step. “What’s most important right now is that both sides realize they each have a lot to lose if AI becomes weaponized or abused,” Glassberg said in an email. “All parties involved are equally at risk. Right now, one of the biggest areas of risk is with deepfakes, particularly for use in disinformation campaigns. This is just as big of a risk for the PRC as it is for the U.S. government,” he added, referring to the People’s Republic of China.
The choice of Geneva for the meeting, while not immediately explained, underscores the city’s role as a hub of diplomacy and international institutions. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a U.N. agency based in Geneva, is set to host its annual “AI for Good” conference later this month, highlighting the city’s relevance in the field of AI.
This meeting represents the first under an intergovernmental dialogue on AI agreed upon during a multi-faceted summit between Xi and Biden in San Francisco six months ago. The U.S. government has been proactive in establishing guidelines for AI development, aiming to balance fostering innovation with mitigating potential risks.
Western experts suggest that China has maintained a cautious approach to AI applications, especially given their potential use in military and surveillance operations under the ruling Communist Party. U.S. officials indicated their intention to discuss methods to mitigate AI risks, including creating voluntary commitments with leading AI companies and requiring safety tests for AI products.
As the world’s geopolitical landscape shifts, these talks between the U.S. and China are seen as critical in shaping the future governance and ethical use of AI technology.
Carlo Juancho FuntanillaFrontend Developer, WordPress, Shopify
Contributing Editor
AMA ACLC San Pablo
