According to Lu, the focus in conversations she has participated in revolves around defining intelligent tools and the involvement of people in producing weapons of mass destruction. Both parties are keen on avoiding unintended consequences due to the high level of danger involved.
Analysts suggest that the collaboration between China and the US on tech rules, as demonstrated by the Artificial offer, is possible despite their competition. The emphasis is more on intelligent decision-making concerning items like command and control of nuclear weapons rather than solely on AI.
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s director, Arati Prabhakar, hinted at potential discussions on AI health during the US-China talks in January. This follows the signing of the Bletchley Declaration by the US, China, and 26 other nations in November, highlighting concerns about frontier AI models posing serious risks.
While high-level rules are acceptable, the specifics in bilateral negotiations prove to be challenging. Beijing is inclined to prioritize security concepts over limitations on AI in defense discussions, similar to the ongoing conflict over military hotlines and “guard rails” between the two nations.
The Track 2 talks, involving academics and think tanks, play a crucial role in releasing pressure, testing proposals, and maintaining communication channels open. These discussions are essential for informal progress as formal negotiations are expected to be tough.
The US focuses on national security issues related to AI, such as the design of weaponry, while Chinese regulators are primarily concerned with content production. The divergent perspectives on transparency, decision-making, and centralized power complicate the discussions.
Despite the challenges, both sides are working towards determining the agenda for the talks. The decentralized approach of the US contrasts with China’s more cautious stance, especially concerning military applications of AI.
Overall, the discussions aim to address AI risks and foster collaboration between the US, China, and other nations, highlighting the importance of engaging in dialogue despite existing mistrust.
