Biden, Xi Agree on Human Control of Nuclear Weapons Amidst AI Concerns
US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached an agreement Saturday, pledging that neither nation will cede control of its nuclear arsenal to artificial intelligence, Bloomberg reports.
The commitment, announced by White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan following a meeting between the two leaders, underscores a willingness to cooperate on managing risks related to rapidly advancing technology, even amidst broader geopolitical tensions.
While Sullivan emphasized that the agreement wasn’t prompted by an immediate threat of AI-controlled nuclear weapons, it reflects the shared recognition of both nations’ leading roles in AI development.
The agreement, reached during what is anticipated to be their final meeting on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Lima, highlights a specific area of cooperation despite ongoing disagreements. The White House acknowledged continued differences between the US and China regarding US export controls on advanced semiconductors, crucial components for various applications, including AI development.
Sullivan characterized the agreement as “an important statement about the intersection of artificial intelligence and nuclear doctrine.” He highlighted the possibility of responsible collaboration between the US and China, even amidst significant competition, to mitigate risks in critical areas.
