The United States and China have agreed not to transfer control over nuclear weapons to artificial intelligence (AI) programs. This marks the first official meeting between the two nations regarding nuclear weapons and AI.
According to CNBC on Sunday, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached this agreement during a meeting in Lima, Peru, ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
The White House said in a statement, “The two leaders affirmed the need to maintain human control over the decision to use nuclear weapons. The two leaders also stressed the need to consider carefully the potential risks and develop AI technology in the military field prudently and responsibly.”
In an online briefing following the meeting, Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, stated that the announcement marked a significant step in addressing the intersection of AI and nuclear doctrine. He added that it reflects a responsible approach to managing risks in key areas despite U.S.-China competition.
While the continuation of negotiations on nuclear weapons and AI remains uncertain, CNBC described the agreement as a crucial initial milestone. China has been reluctant to engage in talks on nuclear arms reduction or control, while the U.S. has expressed concerns over China’s rapid nuclear weapons buildup.
Regarding AI, the U.S. and China held their inaugural official bilateral talks in Geneva, Switzerland, in May. However, reports indicate that nuclear weapons were not on the agenda during those discussions.
China currently does not disclose information about its nuclear stockpile. The Pentagon estimates that China possessed approximately 500 nuclear warheads as of last year, with projections indicating this number could surpass 1,000 by 2030. Most of China’s nuclear arsenal will undergo significant technological advancements by the decade’s end.
Since 2020, China has begun producing next-generation ballistic missile submarines, testing hypersonic missile warheads, and conducting nuclear-armed maritime patrols as part of its efforts to modernize its nuclear program. The U.S. assesses that China is nearing the completion of its nuclear triad (intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and strategic bombers).
Within China, there is a prevailing sentiment that the nation adheres to a no-first-use nuclear policy and maintains a nuclear deterrence posture, with some arguing that Western assessments of China’s nuclear buildup are exaggerated.
On Friday, the Biden administration revised its nuclear weapons policy to deter threats simultaneously from North Korea, China, and Russia. The revised policy labeled China as a nation secretly expanding its nuclear arsenal, highlighting the increasing challenge for the U.S. to maintain deterrence as adversaries enhance and modernize their nuclear capabilities. However, a White House spokesperson clarified that the revised guidelines are not directed at any single country, company, or threat.
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