China Leads New AI Resolution at the U.N., Gaining Global Support

A resolution on artificial intelligence led by China was unanimously adopted at the United Nations General Assembly.

This follows the first AI resolution proposed by the U.S. in March, marking a rare instance in which the U.S. and China have spoken in complete agreement despite their race for supremacy.

According to the South China Morning Post, the UN General Assembly collectively adopted a China-led AI resolution with over 140 nations, agreeing that the international community should strive for a “free, open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory business environment” in AI development between wealthy and developing countries.

The resolution called for global cooperation to support developing countries facing unique challenges and ensure they are not left behind, emphasizing that “all nations should have equal opportunities in non-military areas.”

In March, UN member nations adopted a U.S.-led resolution stating that an international consensus on the safe use of AI must be urgently established. The resolution pointed out that regulations and governance are necessary for safe AI systems and that every nation, institution, and individual should step forward. Over 120 countries, including China, unanimously supported the resolution at the UN General Assembly.

While UN General Assembly resolutions do not have binding power under international law, member nations’ approval suggests they will serve as stepping stones for future discussions on establishing regulations and governance systems related to AI.

SCMP noted, “China appears to be trying to prevent the U.S. from solely dominating the discourse on setting global AI standards.”

Previously, China proposed a Global AI Governance Initiative at the Belt and Road summit in October last year.

The proposal did not mention the U.S. despite being the day after the U.S. government expanded its export control targets to AI semiconductors for China. However, it called for all countries to have equal rights and opportunities in AI development regardless of political system or national power.