The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution sponsored by China and the United States, aimed at narrowing the gap between wealthy developed nations and poorer developing countries in the area of artificial intelligence (AI).

This initiative seeks to ensure that all nations have equal opportunities to utilize and benefit from AI advancements.

The resolution follows the adoption of the first UN resolution on artificial intelligence on March 21, led by the United States and co-sponsored by 123 countries, including China.

This earlier resolution garnered global support for efforts to make AI “safe, secure, and trustworthy” and accessible to all nations.

The passage of these two nonbinding resolutions highlights the commitment of both the United States and China, despite their rivalry in various areas, to play significant roles in shaping the future of this powerful technology.

The unanimous adoption of both resolutions by the 193-member General Assembly reflects broad global support for the leadership of the US and China on this critical issue.

China’s UN ambassador, Fu Cong, emphasized that the two resolutions are complementary. He described the US measure as “more general” while characterizing the recently adopted Chinese resolution as focusing on “capacity building.”

Fu lauded the Chinese resolution, which had over 140 sponsors, as “great and far-reaching” and expressed appreciation for the US’s positive role in the process.

Nate Evans, spokesperson for the US mission to the United Nations, noted that the Chinese-sponsored resolution “was negotiated so it would further the vision and approach the US set out in March.”

He highlighted the diligent and good-faith efforts with both developing and developed countries to strengthen the text, ensuring it reaffirms the principles of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI that respects human rights, commits to digital inclusion, and advances sustainable development.

AI’s Far-Reaching Implications

Fu Cong pointed out that AI technology is advancing rapidly, with discussions taking place at very senior levels, including between US and Chinese leaders.

He expressed a desire for intensified cooperation with the United States and other countries on this issue, which he believes will have far-reaching implications in numerous dimensions.

However, Fu also criticized the US Treasury Department’s proposed rule, announced on June 21, which aims to restrict and monitor US investments in China for AI, computer chips, and quantum computing.

He stated that China is “firmly opposed” to these sanctions, arguing that they will not contribute to the healthy development of AI technology and will instead divide the world in terms of AI standards and rules. Fu called on the US to lift these sanctions.

Moreover, the Chinese resolution urges the international community to provide and promote a fair, open, inclusive, and nondiscriminatory business environment, covering all stages of AI from design and development to usage.

Fu expressed China’s view that the US actions do not foster an inclusive business environment.

Both the US and Chinese resolutions primarily focus on the civilian applications of AI. Nonetheless, Fu noted the importance of addressing the military dimension of AI.

He stressed the necessity for international measures to reduce the risks posed by AI development.

China is actively participating in negotiations in Geneva on controlling lethal autonomous weapons, Fu added, indicating broad support for a potential UN General Assembly resolution on the military dimension of AI this year.

Both resolutions highlight the dangers of AI while also touting its potential benefits in promoting economic development and improving lives globally.

The US resolution acknowledges that “the governance of artificial intelligence systems is an evolving area” that requires further discussions on governance approaches.

It calls for the protection of personal data, the safeguarding of human rights, and the monitoring of AI for potential risks.