The inaugural AI Safety Summit, held at Bletchley Park in southern England, has brought together industry leaders and government representatives to address the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence technology. Notably, nations such as the US, the European Union, and China participated, aiming to introduce regulations that can help manage the risks associated with AI. China, usually known for a reserved stance, openly expressed its commitment to collaborate with other countries on AI safety.
Wu Zhaohui, China’s vice minister of science and technology, emphasized the nation’s willingness to engage in dialogues regarding AI safety with all stakeholders. This marks a significant departure from its traditional approach, indicating a newfound willingness to work jointly with other countries in regulating AI technology. China vowed to contribute to an international framework that fosters a wide consensus for the benefit of society, aiming to build a collective future for humankind.
The statement is noteworthy given the existing technological competition between China and the US. Zhaohui highlighted the principle of equality among nations in the development and utilization of AI technology, emphasizing a level playing field in this realm.
China was among the signatories of the “Bletchley Declaration,” affirming shared awareness of the potentials and risks of cutting-edge AI and the importance of collaborative efforts among governments to tackle the most significant challenges related to AI.
Concerns about the impact of AI technology on various sectors have grown since the public release of Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This has spurred other companies to launch their AI models and chatbots, leading to an explosion of AI technology within the industry. There is a growing fear among the public and some AI experts that machines may eventually surpass human intelligence, potentially resulting in adverse consequences.
