Opinion | Emerging US-China AI arms race undermines their leadership in global standards

Both recognise the revolutionary potential of AI and want to lead the global AI debate but are unwilling to engage directly

But with both also intent on integrating AI into their respective militaries, the task of bringing the international community together might have to rest with others

Reading Time:3 minutes

A discussion at the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes, UK, on November 2, where countries including the US and China signed the Bletchley Declaration. Photo: DPA

Published: 8:30pm, 9 Nov 2023

This has truly been the year of artificial intelligence. From the massive leap in generative AI systems such as ChatGPT to the advancements in robotics and military use of AI in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the world has now very much understood that AI is a reality, not a possibility.

It is within this context that the United States is attempting to shape global AI standards. On October 30, US President Joe Biden issued a landmark executive order on “safe, secure and trustworthy AI”. The White House calls the order “the most sweeping actions ever taken to protect Americans from the potential risks of AI systems”.

Under it, AI developers are required to share “safety test results and other critical information” with the US government. This is an interesting development. Direct government oversight of commercial AI systems has been seen in China – which recently introduced its own regulations for generative AI – but was thought to be unlikely in the US.

Other provisions in the executive order include establishing safety standards to be followed before an AI system can be publicly released, and the labelling of AI-generated content. Exactly how such standards would be implemented by the US, in a country that prides itself on allowing its technology ecosystem the creative freedom to innovate, remains to be seen.

Given the political influence that tech companies in the US possess, it’s likely that these standards would prove merely symbolic. Still, the intent is clear; the US wants to be at the forefront of the global AI debate.

Other major AI initiatives were also announced by US Vice-President Kamala Harris on November 1. Of particular importance was the endorsement of its “Political Declaration on the Responsible Military Use of AI and Autonomy” by 31 countries. The declaration, made in February, aims to “build international consensus around responsible behavior and guide states’ development, deployment, and use of military AI”.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x