Chinese delegation elaborates on China's principles of AI governance at summit

China has been calling on the international community to uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, reach consensus on how to standardize the application of AI in the military domain through dialogue and cooperation, and build an open, just and effective mechanism on security governance, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said when detailing China's participation in the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit 2024.

The Chinese delegation was led by Ma Shengkun, Deputy Director General of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Tuesday.

Some foreign media including Reuters, hyped that China was among roughly 30 nations that sent a government representative to the summit but did not back a document about a “blueprint for action” for the use of AI in military, “illustrating stark differences of views among stakeholders.”

Ma said at the summit that the effect of the military empowerment of AI carries significant implications for international peace and security. Therefore, all countries, especially the major powers, should adopt a prudent and responsible attitude when utilizing relevant technologies, while effectively respecting the security concerns of other countries, avoiding misperception and miscalculation, and preventing arms race, Xinhua reported.

All countries are encouraged to strengthen risks assessment and personnel training, implement graded and specialized management, and take the necessary protection measures to strengthen the risk management and control, Ma noted.

The Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning said the delegation elaborated on China's principles of AI governance: adopt a prudent and responsible attitude, adhere to the principle of developing AI for good, take a people-centered approach, implement agile governance, and uphold multilateralism, which were well recognized by other parties.

China will remain open and constructive in working with other parties and deliver more tangibly for humanity through AI development, Mao added.