Chinese experts call for international cooperation in AI development

By Zhang Rui
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, November 17, 2023
Adjust font size:

The AI-Chemist system performs a chemical experiment at a laboratory in the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 21, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese experts shed light on concerns, challenges and international collaborative opportunities stemming from the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in a series of interviews with China.org.cn on Thursday.

Li Qiang, associate professor of law and director of the Military Law Institute at China University of Political Science and Law, emphasized that China and the United States are not only traditional major powers but also major players in the development of AI technology. "To a certain extent, the attitudes of China and the U.S. toward AI development determine the effectiveness of global governance on AI security," he said. "Cooperation between China and the U.S. in the development and security governance of AI is not only possible but also necessary. In fact, despite existing differences between the two countries, there is a greater amount of consensus, providing a beneficial foundation for collaboration."

Li also cited the Global AI Governance Initiative, launched by China during the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October. The initiative conveys three key principles from China to the international community: opposing a Cold War mindset, opposing technological hegemony and opposing technological uncontrollability. It has identified numerous collaboration areas that are both feasible and urgently needed, especially in military AI applications, the regulation of AI-generated content, technology cooperation, individual privacy protection and data security. Cooperation among major powers is therefore essential, and the establishment of best practices is crucial for guidance in these areas.

Zeng Yi, professor and director of the International Research Center for AI Ethics and Governance at the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and a member of the National Governance Committee of New Generation AI, praised China's Global AI Governance Initiative as a timely response to the opportunities and challenges of AI. "The initiative outlines China's approach to AI governance, addressing development, security and governance, offering constructive solutions to global concerns and serving as a blueprint for international discussions and rule-making."

Zeng underscored the principle of "sharing achievements" in AI governance. He views it as a demonstration of China's dedication to global sustainable development and the building of a global community with a shared future. He acknowledged the uncertainties in the development path, forms of social application, potential risks and various aspects of AI development. "Countries with advantages in technological development, while enjoying opportunities, should share the results and experiences of development from a global perspective," Zeng noted. "China, being a leading country in technological development and application, has the responsibility and obligation to promote and practice the sharing of achievements."

He believes that AI, as an empowering technology and tool, has a mission beyond advancing the progress of a particular country or industry. It should empower global sustainable development and play a greater role in tackling global challenges like climate change and biodiversity protection. AI provides opportunities for human development, serves the well-being of the people and drives socio-economic growth. "In the near term, assessing and preventing security risks arising from technical flaws in AI and sharing experiences, practices, platforms and tools globally all require international collaboration."

Li Qiang echoed the sentiment: "In today's world, it is no longer a simple coexistence of nations, but a closely interconnected world where countries collaborate closely for mutual development. If we want artificial intelligence to truly benefit all of humanity, countries must work together to address the risks posed by AI technology."

He added, "Personally, I hope that countries can engage in cooperation based on a spirit of mutual benefit rather than confrontation and competition, setting aside ideological biases and addressing the development challenges of AI objectively and pragmatically."

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:    
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter