UN General Assembly Passes China-Supported AI Resolution

The US backed and China supported an AI motion that was passed by the UN General Assembly. The goal was to even out access to AI between developing and developed countries and encourage fair, safe, and reliable AI use around the world.

With US support, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution sponsored by China that asked rich developed countries to close the growing gap with poorer developing countries and make sure that both groups have equal chances to use and gain from artificial intelligence.

After the first U.N. resolution on artificial intelligence was passed on March 21, which was led by the United States and backed by 123 countries, including China, the resolution that was passed on Monday was passed. As a result, all countries can use AI because it is secure, trustworthy , and safe.

The fact that both resolutions were passed shows that the US and China, even though they are foes in many areas, want to play a big role in shaping the future of this powerful new technology. They have been working together on these first important international steps. Both resolutions were passed unanimously by the 193-member General Assembly. This shows that most people around the world agree with their leadership on this problem.

Fu Cong, China’s ambassador to the UN, told reporters on Monday that the two resolutions work well together because the U.S. resolution is “more general” and the new resolution is focused on “building capacity.” Fu said that AI is developing very quickly and that the problem has been talked about at very high levels, including by the leaders of both the US and China.

But the Chinese ambassador strongly disagreed with the U.S. Treasury Department’s suggested rule, which was made public on June 21. It would limit and keep an eye on U.S. investments in China for computer chips, quantum computing, and AI. Fu said, “We are strongly against these sanctions.” China does not think that the rule will help the AI technology grow in a healthy way. They also think that it will cause disagreements around the world about AI standards and rules. He asked the US to get rid of the sanctions.

From the creation and use of AI to its design and development, the Chinese resolution asks the rest of the world to provide and promote a open, fair, non-discriminatory, and  inclusive business environment. Fu said that China doesn’t think the U.S.’s moves make the business world more open to everyone. Both the Chinese and U.S. decisions are mostly about how AI can be used in everyday life, but Fu told reporters that AI’s military use is also very important.

Military Applications and AI Governance

Fu said that China is actively taking part in talks in Geneva about controlling lethal autonomous weapons. He also said that some countries are thinking about suggesting a General Assembly resolution this year on the military aspect of AI, and China “strongly supports” that idea.The decisions from both the US and China warned of the risks of AI while also praising its possible benefits for improving lives and economic growth.

The U.S. resolution acknowledges that the governance of AI systems is a developing area that needs more talk on different ways to govern them. It asks countries to make sure that human rights are respected, personal data is kept safe, and AI is checked for possible dangers.

Ambassador Fu, who was in charge of arms control at the Foreign Ministry from 2018 to 2022, said that China proposed the resolution because the developed North and growing South are becoming more and more different in AI technology. He also said that China wants to stress how important the UN should be in governing AI because it is the most representative and open international group.

To help countries work together, the Chinese resolution aims to close the gaps in AI and other digital areas, both within and between them. It also encourages sharing of information and technology to help poor countries.