However, the military potential of artificial intelligence has become a key sticking point in the increasingly complex relationship between China and the United States. Many policymakers view this technology as a key means for the United States to gain an edge over its adversaries.This potential is a key reason why the United States is pursuing this measure Restrict China’s access to advanced semiconductors It is to hinder its ability to use the technology to achieve military purposes.
Policymakers advocating the use of artificial intelligence in the military also acknowledge that the technology may pose a range of new risks, including that its use could increase mistrust among potential adversaries or that system failures could trigger an escalation of hostilities. .
“There should be some space to discuss the use of artificial intelligence related to lethal autonomous weapons systems,” said Paul TrioloAn expert on U.S.-China policy issues at strategic consulting firm Albright Stonebridge Group.
Efforts to ban lethal autonomous weapons targeting humans have made progress so far UN discussions hit deadlockbut one new resolutionMeasures announced this month could provide more impetus for restrictions.
Triolo said the United States and China first need to agree on a definition of such weapons. But he believes the discussion will inevitably be complicated by U.S. sanctions that directly target China’s ability to develop advanced artificial intelligence. Any negotiations “will certainly, in my view, have to discuss U.S. control of advanced computing hardware,” he said.
Even if lethal autonomous weapons are banned, reckless use of artificial intelligence could lead to military system failure.The rapid adoption of autonomous, low-cost drones by forces operating in Ukraine highlights the disruptive potential of the technology, and prompting many militaries, including the United States, to rethink their technology priorities.
The U.S. and Chinese militaries have only recently restarted talks.Beijing subsequently froze military talks Nancy Pelosi visits TaiwanThe democratic island nation is considered an integral part of China and happens to be the most populous country in the world. Advanced semiconductor manufacturer TSMC.
In February, after the United States shot down a Chinese spy balloon flying over North America, the Pentagon said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Unable to contact Chinese counterparts via a special hotline.
Recent events in the South China Sea have highlighted the need for communication between the Chinese and American militaries. In October, the U.S. Department of Defense Posted video clips and images It claimed to show Chinese fighter jets performing unsafe maneuvers close to U.S. aircraft in the area.This month, China’s Ministry of National Defense Posted his own footage The so-called “intrusion and provocation by U.S. warships in the South China Sea.”
However, China has expressed its willingness to restart dialogue. In October this year, Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, said at the Xiangshan Forum in China: “We will deepen strategic cooperation and coordination with Russia, and are willing to develop military relations with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. “