AI governance needs cooperation

Editor's note: Thailand's ambassador to China, Chatchai Viriyavejakul, recently spoke with Jiao Jie of China Daily for the "Hello Diplomat" series. He talked about Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's visit to China from July 16 to 20 and shared his views on cooperation and global governance in artificial intelligence, efforts to combat cybercrime, the role of multilateralism and the future of Thailand-China relations.

Q: How was the prime minister's visit to China?

A: It was quite intensive, as the prime minister combined visits to three cities into the official trip. Despite the busy schedule, it was both productive and beneficial. This being his first official visit, it played a key role in strengthening the bond of friendship between our leaders.

The prime minister also attended the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, highlighting how seriously Thailand takes the management of AI technologies and ensuring that the benefits of AI leave no one behind.

Q: How do you think Thailand can actively participate in global AI governance?

A: AI knows no boundaries. We have to work together as an international community, with as many countries involved as possible. Although AI development in the Western world began earlier, Chinese AI technologies are readily accessible to many countries, including Thailand. They can easily be adapted and adopted. So, we need to work together, share our experience and make sure that AI benefits as many countries as possible.

Q: Is any practical cooperation project already underway between Thailand and China?

A: A good example is the close cooperation between Thailand and China in combating online scams and preventing cybercrime, particularly along the border of Thailand.

We are also using AI technologies in agriculture, including harvesting and prediction, thanks to Chinese agencies sharing these technologies. AI governance represents a new frontier for bilateral cooperation. In an increasingly volatile and fast-changing world, this cooperation requires new consensus.

Q: What do you expect to see in the next golden 50 years of Thailand-China relations?

A: China plays a leading role in many areas, including tourism, trade and investment. At the same time, the world is facing new challenges that one or two countries cannot handle alone. We need regional or multilateral frameworks that bring together more countries, set rules, maximize the benefits of these frameworks and minimize the risks from the new challenges.

Q: Unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise. How can regional platforms such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations promote regional stability and economic growth?

A: We advocate for an open system where every economy can participate. These are the fundamental principles that APEC economies have adopted, and should continue to guide us in the future. During the prime minister's visit to Shanghai, it was mentioned that amid rising protectionism and tariff issues, APEC members' trade with the United States declined while its trade with other markets increased. This demonstrates that we need to stand together and work within an open and fair system to protect ourselves from a tariff war.

Q: Both China and Thailand are from the Global South. How do you think the two countries can work toward a fairer and more just world?

A: Thailand has consistently adhered to openness and multilateralism, and supports free and fair competition. We commend China for proposing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative to tackle global challenges.

These initiatives demonstrate China's philosophy for a more stable and peaceful future. They also align with the United Nations' principles. For Thailand, these ideas are in line with our own principles of "Sufficiency Economy", peaceful coexistence and openness. We support the four initiatives and other countries should also adopt them.

Take poverty reduction and food security, for example. These ideas have received support from the international community, and there are already successful examples of what the GDI has achieved in these areas.

Q: How would you describe Thailand-China relations as we look toward the next 50 years?

A: China and Thailand are like a family. This line was also posted by the prime minister on Facebook, and echoes the words used by Chinese leaders. Historically and politically, we have been close and trusted partners. Like a family, we help and support each other. We might have some disagreements, but we can find ways to reconcile and come together as a family.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.