Top diplomats from the U.S. and China engaged in private discussions in Geneva on Tuesday, aiming to address potential existential risks associated with emerging artificial intelligence technologies.
These discussions were initiated as per an agreement between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in 2023 to foster bilateral dialogue between the two largest global economies, which are also major geopolitical competitors. The conversation centred on a rapidly advancing technology that influences trade, lifestyles, culture, politics, national security, and defence.
U.S. technology experts noted that the talks, led by senior officials from the White House and State Department, might reveal insights into Beijing’s stance on AI, given China’s typically reserved communication about its technology strategies.
Jason Glassberg, co-founder of Casaba Security in Redmond, Washington and an expert on AI’s new and emerging threats, described the meeting as primarily an introductory session that is unlikely to produce substantial outcomes but will start important discussions between the two nations.
“What’s most important right now is that both sides realize they each have a lot to lose if AI becomes weaponized or abused,” Glassberg said in an e-mail. “All parties involved are equally at risk. Right now, one of the biggest areas of risk is with deepfakes, particularly for use in disinformation campaigns.”
