Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for international cooperation on artificial intelligence, making it clear that no country should dominate its development.
International cooperation on AI is crucial for preventing a new Cold War
The statement came during the World AI Conference in Shanghai, where Xi emphasized the need for joint efforts to address the challenges and risks associated with AI.
“We must ensure that AI is developed and applied in a way that benefits all countries and benefits humanity as a whole,” Xi said, according to a transcript released by state media.
Experts say that the development of AI is becoming increasingly polarized, with the US and China at the forefront of the competition. The US has imposed export restrictions on AI technologies, while China has implemented its own measures to boost its AI capabilities.
Xi’s call for cooperation is seen as a bid to ease tensions and promote collaboration, particularly in areas such as standards and regulations.
Ai’s impact on the future
The Chinese leader also emphasized the need for safeguards to keep AI under human control, warning against the risks of unchecked technological advancement.
“We must ensure that AI is developed and applied in a way that is beneficial to human society,” Xi said. “We must not let AI develop in a way that is controlled by a single country or a small group of countries.”
His comments echo concerns raised by experts about the potential risks of AI, including the risk of job displacement and the potential for AI systems to become uncontrollable.
What this means
The development of AI is likely to play a key role in shaping the future of global trade and geopolitics. Xi’s call for cooperation and safeguards is a significant development, and one that will be closely watched by policymakers and business leaders around the world.
In practical terms, this means that the global AI community will need to come together to establish common standards and regulations for the development and deployment of AI technologies.
The stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction or misaction will be significant. As Xi put it, “The future of AI is not just a matter of technological progress, but also a matter of human society and human values.”
