Chinese envoy calls for multilateralism in AI governance

A Chinese top envoy to the United Nations on Tuesday called artificial intelligence a "double-edged sword", saying that whether it is good or bad depends on how mankind uses and regulates it.

The international community should engage in extensive dialogue, constantly seek consensus and explore the development of guiding principles for AI governance, Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN, told a UN Security Council meeting on AI.

When it comes to AI governance, it is essential to adhere to the principle of putting ethics first, Zhang said.

"The potential impacts of AI may exceed human cognitive boundaries," he said, adding that to ensure the technology always benefits humanity, it must be people-oriented and used for good.

Efforts should be made to establish and improve ethical norms, laws and policy systems for AI, while allowing countries to establish AI governance systems that are in line with their own national conditions.

It is vital to adhere to safety and controllability, he said. The development and application of AI-related technologies entail many uncertainties, and safety is the bottom line that must be upheld.

"The international community should strengthen risk awareness and establish effective risk warning and response mechanisms to ensure that risks beyond human control do not occur," he said.

It is important to insist on fairness and inclusiveness, Zhang added.

"Developing countries' equal access and utilization of AI technology, products and services are crucial to bridging technological, digital and development divides between the North and the South," he said.

"To seek technological hegemony, a certain developed country seeks to build exclusive small circles, maliciously obstructing the technological development of other countries with various excuses and actions. China firmly opposes these behaviors."

Openness and tolerance

Zhang said it is also necessary to adhere to openness and tolerance.

"The development of science and technology needs to achieve a relative balance between technological progress and safe applications.

"The best path is to maintain open cooperation, encourage interdisciplinary, interindustrial, interregional, and cross-border exchanges and dialogues, and oppose various forms of exclusive clubs, decoupling and disconnection," he said.

He said there also should be commitment to peaceful utilization.

"The fundamental purpose of developing AI technologies is to enhance the common well-being of humanity. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on exploring the potential of AI in promoting sustainable development, promoting cross-disciplinary integration and innovation, and better empowering the global development cause," he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday he was "shocked and impressed" by the newest form of AI — generative AI, which has "enormous potential for good and evil at scale".

"Without action to address these risks, we are derelict in our responsibilities to present and future generations," he said.