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US-China relations
ChinaDiplomacy

Do China and the US need to work together on AI safety? Boao Forum debates

Artificial intelligence experts and business leaders discuss how the world can build effective governance models for all countries

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A panel discussion at this year’s Boao Forum in Hainan, southern China looked at the global governance challenges of artificial intelligence technology. Photo: Shutterstock
Meredith Chenin Boao, Hainan
China and the US could learn from each other when developing artificial intelligence safety protocols, but only if Washington can reimagine its rivalry-based mindset, according to a prominent Chinese AI expert.
Speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia, Zeng Yi, a member of the United Nations’ high-level AI advisory body, said the US government’s obstruction of China from international safety networks and discussions on the technology was “a very wrong decision”.

“Some countries prioritise their own development of artificial intelligence, or claim it should only serve their own citizens. However, I believe … this empowering technology allows for a world that can accommodate both China and the United States,” he said.

Zeng, who is also a professor with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was speaking after an AI-themed panel discussion at the forum in Hainan province, southern China on Wednesday.

The question of how AI applications and governance can be advanced in a balanced manner is a key topic at this year’s forum, which is being attended by high-level officials, academics and business executives.

According to Zeng, the US and China must work together to jointly “strengthen safety rails” in AI. The potential for cooperation in the technology depends not only on bilateral government actions but also on grass-roots behaviours and corporate exchanges, he said.

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