U.S. and Chinese officials met in Geneva on Monday to hash out the potential perils and the safety of artificial intelligence — a technology rapidly reshaping the globe's superpowers. In talks extending a narrative of technological rivalry, representatives from both nations continued a dialogue between President Biden and President Xi Jinping last year, confirmed by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson.
The gathering, steered by the U.S.'s Tarun Chhabra and Seth Center, was studded with personnel from critical departments, including the White House, State, and Commerce, signaling the high stakes. Their counterparts included a Chinese delegation from various sectors, reflecting the pervasive nature of AI in the current era. During the session, the U.S. pushed for AI systems that are "safe, secure, and trustworthy," as per a White House statement.
Tensions weren't left at the door, though, as the U.S. brass didn't shy away from addressing the elephant in the room — the potential misuse of AI by the PRC. No specifics were launched into the press, but the U.S. expressed its discontent in broad strokes, flagging how the technology could be leveraged in ways that may not align with international norms and its vision for AI's role in sustainable development globally.
