The UN Security Council held its first meeting on artificial intelligence, and China put forward five principles of governance

UN Security Council Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the creation of a global regulator to oversee AI in much the same way that other agencies regulate aviation, climate and nuclear energy. The Security Council proposes to establish a body composed of AI experts to share expertise with government and administrative agencies that may lack relevant technical knowledge.

· Zhang Jun, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, pointed out that in order to seek scientific and technological hegemony, some developed countries have built exclusive small circles, maliciously obstructed the technological development of other countries with various excuses and actions, and artificially created scientific and technological barriers.

On July 18, 2023, local time, in New York, USA, the Security Council held its first artificial intelligence (AI) meeting at the United Nations Headquarters. Visual China map

On July 18, local time, the United Nations Security Council held a high-level open meeting with the theme of "Opportunities and Risks Brought by Artificial Intelligence to International Peace and Security". Security Council Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the creation of a global regulatory body to oversee the new technology.

This is the first time that the Security Council has held a meeting on artificial intelligence, and Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, proposed five principles on artificial intelligence governance: first, adhere to ethics first, second, adhere to safety and controllability, third, adhere to fairness and inclusiveness, fourth, adhere to openness and inclusiveness, and fifth, adhere to peaceful use.

A legally binding resolution is still far away

On the same day, Guterres, Jack Clark, co-founder of artificial intelligence startup Anthropic, and Zeng Yi, a researcher at the Institute of Automation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, gave briefings.

Guterres warned that AI is working in multiple areas, but it could also be used by people with malicious intentions, including for terrorism, incitement to hatred and violence. He welcomed calls for a new UN body that would help maximize the use of AI and better manage risks. He said the UN should act as a regulator, regulating, overseeing and enforcing AI rules in much the same way that other agencies regulate aviation, climate and nuclear energy.

At the meeting, diplomats and leading experts in the field of artificial intelligence explained to the Security Council the risks and threats of AI technology, as well as its scientific and social benefits. They say that although the pace of development of this technology continues to accelerate, there are still many unknowns. "It's as if we make an engine without understanding combustion." Clark said private companies should not be the sole creators and regulators of AI.

The Security Council proposes to establish a body made up of experts in the field of AI who will share expertise with government and administrative agencies that may lack the technical knowledge to address AI threats.

For now, a legally binding resolution on governance is still far away. However, most diplomats support the development of global governance mechanisms and international rules.

James Cleverly, the British Foreign Secretary who chaired the meeting, said: "No country is immune to AI, so we must involve the broadest coalition of international actors from all sectors. "The United Kingdom holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month.

China: Oppose the use of artificial intelligence to seek military hegemony

Zhang Jun pointed out in his speech that artificial intelligence, as a "double-edged sword", is good or bad, good or evil, depending on how human beings use, how to standardize, how to coordinate science, development and security. The international community should uphold the spirit of true multilateralism, conduct extensive dialogue, continuously build consensus, and explore the formulation of guiding principles for AI governance. China supports the central coordinating role of the United Nations in this regard, and supports Secretary-General Guterres in convening in-depth discussions among all parties and supporting all countries, especially developing countries, to fully participate and make contributions.

Zhang Jun proposed five principles on AI governance. First, adhere to ethics first. To ensure that artificial intelligence technology always benefits mankind, it is necessary to take "people-oriented" and "intelligence for good" as the basic criteria to standardize the development direction of artificial intelligence and avoid this technology becoming a "wild horse out of control". On this basis, gradually establish and improve the ethical norms, laws, regulations and policy systems of artificial intelligence.

Second, adhere to safety and controllability. There are many uncertainties in the development and application of AI-related technologies, and safety is the bottom line that must be guarded. The international community should strengthen risk awareness, establish an effective risk early warning and response mechanism, ensure that no risks beyond human control occur, ensure that there are no machines that kill people autonomously, and ensure that human beings have the ability to press the stop button at critical moments.

Guterres said on the same day that the United Nations must reach a legally binding agreement by 2026 to ban the use of artificial intelligence in autonomous war weapons.

Third, adhere to fairness and inclusiveness. Zhang Jun said that equal access to and utilization of AI technologies, products and services by developing countries is crucial to bridging the North-South technological gap, digital divide and development gap. In order to seek scientific and technological hegemony, some developed countries have built exclusive small circles and maliciously obstructed the technological development of other countries under various pretexts and actions, artificially creating scientific and technological barriers.

Fourth, adhere to openness and inclusiveness. The best way to achieve a balance between promoting technological progress and ensuring safe application is to maintain open cooperation, encourage interdisciplinary, cross-field, cross-regional and cross-border exchanges and dialogues, oppose various forms of "small courtyards with high walls" and "decoupling and breaking chains", and create an open, inclusive, just and non-discriminatory environment for scientific and technological development.

Fifth, adhere to peaceful use. It is necessary to focus on tapping the potential of artificial intelligence in promoting sustainable development and promoting cross-field integration and innovation, so as to better empower global development. The Security Council could delve into the application and impact of AI in conflict situations and take steps to enrich the UN's peace toolbox. All countries should uphold responsible national defense policies and oppose the use of artificial intelligence to seek military hegemony and undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries.

Zhang Jun said that China adheres to the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, has always participated in global cooperation and governance of artificial intelligence in a highly responsible manner, and has successively submitted two position papers on the military application and ethical governance of artificial intelligence on the United Nations platform. China is willing to work with the international community to actively implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative in the field of artificial intelligence, adhere to the priority of development, safeguard common security, promote cross-cultural exchanges and cooperation, share the achievements of artificial intelligence technology with other countries, and jointly prevent and respond to risks and challenges.