China poised to lead global AI

(CLO) China could fill the leadership vacuum left by the US and the UK after they refused to sign a joint statement on artificial intelligence (AI) at the recent AI Summit in Paris.

The summit's declaration, signed by more than 60 countries, pledged to ensure AI is "open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure and trustworthy."

View of the Conference in Paris. Photo: X

However, the UK said concerns about "national security and global governance" prevented it from signing, while the US did not officially explain its decision but criticised excessive regulations that could "kill industry".

Madeline Carr, professor of global politics and cybersecurity at University College London, points out that the UK, which will host the first AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in 2023, has prioritized its alliance with the US in this decision.

Analysts say the failure of the US and UK to sign could create an opportunity for China to take a leadership role in global AI governance.

China, one of the signatories, has stressed its commitment to promoting international cooperation on AI development. Last October, Beijing released the Global AI Governance Initiative, calling for “equal development rights,” regardless of a country’s political system.

African countries are stepping up their AI adoption to drive economic development. Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE are playing a key role in building digital infrastructure in Africa, helping to drive AI development.

Last September, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged nearly 360 billion yuan ($50 billion) over the next three years to Africa, to support infrastructure projects.

But Africa’s embrace of Chinese investment and technology has yet to translate into geopolitical consensus. As US-China tensions escalate over AI dominance, African leaders are struggling to maintain neutrality.

Cao Phong (according to SCMP, Reuters, LeMonde)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/trung-quoc-co-the-giu-vai-tro-lanh-dao-sau-khi-my-va-anh-rut-khoi-tuyen-bo-hoi-nghi-thuong-dinh-ai-post335645.html