In a pivotal diplomatic breakthrough, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have successfully negotiated agreements on several critical issues, including military cooperation, the regulation of fentanyl, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in weaponry.
During their highly anticipated bilateral dialogue, the two world leaders committed to prohibiting the use of AI in autonomous weapons systems, such as drones, and in the control and deployment of nuclear warheads. This groundbreaking agreement, set to be unveiled at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, emerges in response to mounting global apprehension over the unchecked use of this technology in escalating conflicts.
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Earlier this year, the United States introduced its Political Declaration on the Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy, a novel legal and diplomatic framework that seeks a worldwide consensus on the development and deployment of military AI. The Biden administration also announced stringent requirements for the approval of advanced AI products.
China, too, has made significant strides in this domain. The People’s Liberation Army of China has been investigating ways to enhance autonomous weapons systems through the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies.
In addition to the AI agreement, the US is anticipating a renewed commitment from China to curb the influx of fentanyl into the US. The revival of some communication channels between the militaries of the two nations is also expected.
These agreements signify a monumental step in US-China relations, illustrating that collaboration is achievable even amidst escalating geopolitical tensions.