White House Announces High-Level Talks With Beijing on Advanced AI Systems
The United States and China will start high-level discussions about artificial intelligence focused on the security and risks associated with advanced AI systems.
See Also: Best Practices for Log Management and Improving Problem Resolution
Biden administration officials lowered expectations about the discussions during a Friday call with reporters, saying the talks were “not focused on promoting any technical cooperation” between the two world superpowers on AI or emerging technologies.
A senior administration official acknowledged China’s controversial use of AI systems for anti-democratic purposes and said Beijing is “undermining [U.S.] national security” through its use of advanced AI technologies. Recent reports published by Microsoft and others have shown China-linked cyberattacks that use AI to amplify and inflame social tensions across the U.S.
Despite growing tensions and a historic low point in U.S.-China relations, Washington and Beijing have continued to open new channels of communication around AI and its global impact across critical infrastructure sectors, private industry and human rights. Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping discussed AI, security issues and Taiwan during an April phone call as part of an effort to return to regular talks.
Officials told reporters at the time that the call was “candid and constructive,” and it was the first time the two leaders spoke since their California summit in November 2023.
Biden and Xi will not join the next round of discussions on AI. Senior White House officials and their Chinese counterparts will use the talks to share their respective views on the risks associated with advanced AI systems, in addition to both country’s roles in international governance around AI, officials said.
The U.S. and China have been steadily rolling out AI regulations and government initiatives in recent years. The U.S. has secured waves of voluntary commitments from leading AI developers to responsibly build and deploy AI technologies, while China has indicated plans to further regulate AI throughout 2024.