Russia, China Ditch US Proposal, Swap Notes On The Military Use Of AI

In their recent meetings, officials from Russia and China carried out a “detailed exchange of assessments” about using artificial intelligence (AI) for military purposes, the South China Morning Post has reported.

The two nations have avoided the US-proposed framework on responsible technology use.

AI refers to the ability of machines to carry out tasks that typically require human intelligence. In the past couple of years, AI-powered tools have been developed to draw images, summarize and even write content, carry out language translations, and many more previously impossible things without humans.

While these are civilian uses, on the military side, the technology can identify threats, gather intelligence, conduct cyber operations, and guide uncrewed vehicles in combat. AI is also being proposed to support decisions by military commanders during times of conflict or when rapid decisions need to be made. The technology sees investments from global powers like the US, China, and Russia. Still, it lacks needs an agreed framework for its usage.

What does the United Nations say about AI?

In 1981, the United Nations backed a forum called the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, where the use of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) was discussed. In November last year, the UN also adopted a resolution on LAWS for the first time, which stressed the negative outcomes of LAWS on global security and international stability.

The resolution also mentioned the risks of an emerging arms race and a lower threshold for conflict, especially if non-state actors are involved. This is also in line with what the US has been seeking for over a year.

The US spearheaded the Political Declaration on the Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy to bring nations together toward more responsible use of AI in February 2023. The declaration provided a legal and diplomatic framework for the use of AI. This move garnered support only from US allies and partners while China and Russia stayed out.

How do China and Russia plan to collaborate?

In a statement released by the Russian foreign ministry, delegates exchanged assessments about using AI technology for military purposes. However, the release did not divulge details about the officials or the positions they held involved in this exchange. The two countries were also involved in discussions about doctrinal guidelines and initiatives they took in this domain.

According to the SCMP report, Russia and China have now agreed to set up coordination under the Group of Government Experts (GGE) under the 1981 Convention on Conventional Weapons. They will hold bilateral and multilateral discussions on LAWS within the framework of GGE.

Interestingly, the statement from the Chinese side on these discussions did not refer to the military use of AI. Instead, it included an expanded scope of discussions about “outer space, biosecurity, and AI.” This aligns with China’s long-held position of calling for a ban on autonomous weapon systems and the potential for their improvement with AI.

The collaboration between the two nations will likely keep them away from the US-led declaration.