The control over decisions to use nuclear weapons must remain with humans and should not be handed over to systems with Artificial Intelligence (AI). This principle was agreed upon by US President Joe Biden and China’s leader Xi Jinping during a nearly two-hour meeting at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru. The US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, called it an important agreement concerning “the interface between Artificial Intelligence and nuclear doctrine.” It was the first time the US and China made such a declaration.
This agreement is seen as a breakthrough in the Biden administration’s efforts to enhance nuclear safety and limit the spread of nuclear weapons. China had previously resisted these efforts, canceling a meeting on nuclear arms control in July as a protest against a US arms sale to Taiwan. The Chinese delegation expressed a desire for more dialogue and cooperation with the US, emphasizing the need to avoid a “new Cold War.” Meanwhile, Biden sought ways to secure US-China relations for emergencies before his successor, Donald Trump, took office in January.
Sullivan clarified to the press, “I am not saying that anyone will soon hand over control of nuclear weapons to Artificial Intelligence.” He did not see any “immediate danger” in this regard but acknowledged “a long-term strategic risk” if two significant nuclear powers and countries with considerable AI capabilities fail to reach an understanding in these areas. Sullivan noted that this was a step in the right direction to address this challenge.
However, both countries remain skeptical about a general ban on “killer robots.” Xi repeatedly raised objections to US export controls, particularly concerning advanced semiconductors and related manufacturing equipment. Sullivan defended these restrictions, citing the security of the US and “our allies.”
The discussion between Biden and Xi highlights the importance of human oversight in critical decisions involving nuclear weapons. The potential integration of AI in military applications poses ethical and strategic concerns. Both nations recognize the need for dialogue to manage these challenges effectively.
While AI offers numerous benefits, its role in military contexts, especially involving nuclear weapons, needs careful consideration. The agreement between the US and China represents a commitment to ensuring that human judgment remains central in such critical decisions.
As technology advances, the international community faces the challenge of balancing innovation with safety and ethical considerations. The conversation between the US and China is a step towards addressing these complex issues, emphasizing the need for cooperation and understanding between major powers.
Maintaining control over nuclear weapons is crucial for global security. The integration of AI in military strategies must be approached with caution, ensuring that human oversight remains a priority. The agreement between Biden and Xi sets a precedent for future discussions on the role of AI in military and strategic contexts.
In conclusion, the dialogue between the US and China underscores the importance of human control over nuclear decisions and highlights the challenges posed by AI in military applications. Both nations are taking steps to ensure that technological advancements do not compromise global security and stability.