China scores diplomatic win following AI resolution passage at UN

China’s plans for global regulatory standards for artificial intelligence (AI) have reached a historic milestone after its resolution received unanimous support at the United Nations General Assembly.

The Chinese-sponsored AI resolution sought to create an even development for AI worldwide to prevent the technological gap between the global North and South. More than 140 nations supported the resolution, noting that the undertaking could have far-reaching consequences for the emerging technology.

A close look at the resolution reveals a focus on equal opportunities for AI to thrive across global regions, particularly for non-military applications. It urges developed countries to aid developing countries in bringing them up to speed in AI innovation and integration.

While there appears to be a mad dash for AI globally, several studies indicate that the bulk of ecosystem activity is limited to North America, China and the European Union. Other regions like the Middle East, Latin America and Africa are playing catchup, but the distance between them and industry leaders continues to expand.

To achieve a uniform pace for development, China says global collaboration is necessary, but existing geopolitical tensions pose a threat to the resolution’s objectives.

“A fragmented approach toward AI, toward the digital technology, is not going to benefit anybody,” said Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the UN.

Apart from its goals of closing the widening gap between developing and developed countries, China’s move to support the resolution is considered as a ploy to whittle down the influence of the U.S. in global AI regulation. In March, the U.S. sponsored the first global playbook for AI with the aim of protecting consumers’ data and human rights while urging governments to take steps to prevent associated AI risks.

Attempting to distinguish the U.S. resolutions, Cong stated that the latest one sponsored by China focuses on “capacity building,” while the U.S.-backed document is broad in its approach.

Simmering tensions between the US and China

Tensions between mainland China and the U.S. are approaching a crescendo, with Washington tightening trade restrictions on advanced AI chips and other emerging technologies. While the rationale appears to be defense-motivated, enterprise users needing AI hardware are groaning under the dwindling supply, forcing China to look inward to meet soaring demand.

Cong argues that since the U.S. has indicated a firm support for the resolution, lifting the trade embargo is the only logical decision at the moment, but it seems unlikely that the U.S. will change its stance.

“If people are true to the content of this resolution, it says that it is important to foster an inclusive business environment,” said Cong. “We don’t think that the US actions are along that line.”

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