On the afternoon of February 26th, within the framework of the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 in Hanoi, the 4th plenary session was held with the theme "Governing Emerging Technologies to Ensure Comprehensive Security".
Speaking at the plenary session, Vice Foreign Minister and Head of ASEAN SOM China, Sun Weidong, stated that in the context of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing gradually shaping the future in unprecedented ways, the effective application of emerging technologies plays a crucial role in the development of humanity.
According to Vice Minister Sun Weidong, in recent years, China has achieved many accomplishments in AI, quantum technology, 5G, and clean energy, not only making positive contributions to the development of science and technology for humanity, but also participating in the global AI governance process with a high sense of responsibility.
The emergence of AI and new technologies brings both challenges and opportunities to the world. China's Vice Foreign Minister believes that four principles are needed to promote the sustainable development of AI.
Firstly , for global security, AI needs to be leveraged to make it more predictable, prevent its misuse for malicious purposes, and ensure that its development is safe, transparent, controllable, and for the common good of humanity.
Secondly , we must promote the principles of fairness and universal accessibility, ensuring that all countries have equal and non-discriminatory access to AI governance, encourage open-source AI technology, and support developing countries in closing the AI gap.
Thirdly , we advocate for multilateralism, establishing an AI governance mechanism with universal participation from all countries based on the United Nations framework, while respecting individual national policies on this issue, and promoting stakeholder engagement to enhance AI governance.
Fourth , empower AI development, promote AI applications in all industries and fields to ensure sustainable socio-economic development, further expand mechanisms for exchange and cooperation on AI and other advanced technologies, and unleash global AI innovation potential for the common benefit of all nations.
According to Vice Minister Sun Weidong, China and ASEAN are not only friendly neighbors but also close friends and reliable partners on the path towards openness, innovation, and sustainable development. Both sides have developed programs to promote the development of science and technology, innovation, and the construction of a sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystem, as well as programs to enhance scientific and technological skills and AI to facilitate development.
Furthermore, China has established partnerships with ASEAN member countries in building data centers and providing cloud computing services at affordable costs, creating a favorable ecosystem and laying a solid foundation for the future development of AI.
Regarding future cooperation directions, the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister shared four proposals.
Firstly , we need to promote mechanisms for exchanging ideas, uphold shared human values, strengthen cooperation based on ethical principles regarding AI governance, and work together to build international consensus on AI.
Secondly , we need to further deepen the qualitative cooperation between the parties, encourage increased exchanges between academics, businesses, and industries to share information, expertise, and technology, and promote international cooperation to foster deeper collaborative projects in AI.
Thirdly , enhance skills in the field of AI. China will continue to promote open-source AI technology, focusing more on training and exchange programs to improve the AI skills of ASEAN members. In addition, partnerships can be built and information shared on AI to capture the digitalization and greening trends at a faster pace.
Fourth , promote joint governance. China is ready to share information on ethical security risks related to AI, and cooperate with ASEAN and ASEAN law enforcement and security forces to address challenges such as cross-border data flows and ensure information security.
Speaking at the discussion session, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul also mentioned the impact of disruptive technologies, including AI.
The South Korean diplomat affirmed that the ASEAN Future Forum is a significant event for the region, given the unprecedented geopolitical shifts, supply chain disruptions, and the emergence of disruptive technologies that are increasing instability. This requires governments, businesses, and individuals to strive to adapt to a constantly changing world.
In such an unstable environment, the world needs to strengthen collective intellectual cooperation and solidarity.
According to Minister Cho Tae-yul, the ASEAN Future Forum is an important platform where countries can work together to address common challenges and seize new opportunities. ASEAN acts as a regional engine, striving for peace and prosperity, and is at the heart of global supply chains.
Minister Cho Tae-yul affirmed South Korea's readiness to cooperate closely with ASEAN. South Korea sees enormous potential in strengthening cooperation with ASEAN in all areas, such as enhancing supply chain resilience, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies. South Korea also actively supports ASEAN's digital transformation, contributing to narrowing the digital divide and promoting innovation in the region.
During a discussion themed "ASEAN's Role in Cohesion and Peace Promotion in a Fragmented World," UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed his expectation that ASEAN and the UK would further strengthen cooperation in enhancing supply chain resilience and setting standards for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to create shared prosperity.
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