The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution sponsored by China, with support from the United States, urging wealthy developed nations to narrow the technological gap with poorer developing countries and ensure equitable access to and benefits from artificial intelligence (AI). This latest resolution passed on Monday, follows an earlier resolution on AI adopted on March 21, spearheaded by the United States and co-sponsored by 123 countries, including China. Both resolutions aim to promote the safe, secure, and trustworthy deployment of AI globally, emphasizing equal participation and opportunities for all nations.
The consensus adoption of these non-binding resolutions by the 193-member General Assembly underscores broad international support for both the U.S. and Chinese leadership in shaping the future of AI technology. Chinese Ambassador to the UN Fu Cong highlighted that while the U.S.-led resolution is more general, focusing on overarching principles, the newly adopted Chinese resolution prioritizes capacity building. Fu praised the U.S.'s constructive role in the process and expressed China's commitment to deepening cooperation with all nations on AI, which he described as having profound global implications across various dimensions.
However, Fu strongly criticized recent U.S. proposals from the Treasury Department aimed at restricting and monitoring U.S. investments in AI, computer chips, and quantum computing in China. He argued that such sanctions would hinder the healthy development of AI technology and exacerbate global divisions in AI standards and regulations. Fu urged the U.S. to lift these sanctions and advocated for a fair, open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory business environment throughout AI's lifecycle.
Both the U.S. and Chinese resolutions primarily focus on the civilian applications of AI, while acknowledging its potential military implications. Fu emphasized the need for international efforts to mitigate risks associated with AI's development, including ongoing discussions in Geneva on regulating lethal autonomous weapons. He indicated China's support for a potential General Assembly resolution this year addressing AI's military dimensions.
Both resolutions underscored the dual nature of AI, acknowledging its potential benefits in economic development and societal improvements while cautioning against its risks. The U.S. resolution emphasizes the evolving nature of AI governance and the necessity of protecting personal data, safeguarding human rights, and monitoring AI for potential risks. Fu explained that China proposed its resolution to address the widening technological gap in AI between developed and developing countries and to underscore the UN's pivotal role in fostering inclusive AI governance.
