Nov 18, 2024 11:19:00

Joe Biden and Xi Jinping agree that humans, not AI, should control nuclear weapons

US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly agreed that the decision to use nuclear weapons should be made by humans, not artificial intelligence. This was the third meeting between the two presidents and follows a phone call on April 2, 2024.

Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China - US Embassy in Peru

https://pe.usembassy.gov/readout-of-president-joe-bidens-meeting-with-president-xi-jinping-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china/

Xi meets Biden in Lima
https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202411/17/content_WS673924f8c6d0868f4e8ed114.html

Remarks by President Biden and President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China Before Bilateral Meeting | Lima, Peru - US Embassy & Consulates in China
https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/remarks-by-president-biden-and-president-xi-jinping-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china-between-bilateral-meeting-lima-peru/

Biden, Xi agree that humans, not AI, should control nuclear arms | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-xi-agreed-that-humans-not-ai-should-control-nuclear-weapons-white-house-2024-11-16/

Biden and Xi take a first step to limit AI and nuclear decisions : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2024/11/16/nx-s1-5193893/xi-trump-biden-ai-export-controls-tariffs

During the 90-minute meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Lima, Xi said 'our relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world', a point agreed by Biden, who said 'how we get along will influence the rest of the world.'

During their dialogue on AI, the two leaders confirmed the need to address AI risks, improve AI safety and international cooperation, and promote AI that benefits all. In particular, on the decision to use nuclear weapons, both leaders acknowledged the need to maintain human, not AI, control. They also emphasized the need to develop AI technologies in the military domain in a prudent and responsible manner, carefully considering potential risks.

It was the first time China had made such a statement and it was a significant remark as Biden prepares to leave office. 'This agreement is an important first step to address long-term strategic risks for both nuclear powers,' Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters.

Reuters pointed out, 'It is not clear whether the statement will lead to further discussions or action on the issues of nuclear weapons and AI, but it marks the first step by the United States and China to discuss two issues where progress has been slow.'

NPR noted that Biden's goal in the meeting was to emphasize the importance of stable relations during the transition period and to consolidate the progress made in his relationship with Xi. 'Over the past four years, China-US relations have experienced ups and downs, but both sides have also engaged in dialogue and cooperation,' Xi said of the relationship, adding that the relationship is generally stable.

Recently, U.S.-China relations have become colder than ever as the U.S. strengthens export controls on semiconductors and other products to China. In his statement, President Xi looked back on the experiences of the past four years and listed the following:

It is important to have the right strategic awareness. We should not start a new cold war, and even if we did, we would not be able to win it. Containing China is unwise, unacceptable, and will inevitably fail. It is important to match words with actions.

'People cannot establish themselves without trust. China has always respected its words. If the US side always acts differently from what it says, it will damage its own image and undermine the trust between China and the US.'

- It is important to treat each other as equals. As the two major powers, neither China nor the United States should try to mold the other according to their will, oppress the other from the so-called 'position of a strong power,' or deprive the other of its legitimate right to development.

It is important not to challenge the red lines and the most important principles. Contradictions and differences between the two great powers, China and the United States, are inevitable. However, neither side should undermine the core interests of the other, much less seek conflict or confrontation. The '

One China' principle and the three Sino-US joint communiqués are the political foundation of Sino-US relations and must be abided by. The Taiwan issue, democracy and human rights, China's path and system, and China's right to development are China's four red lines that must not be crossed. They must not be challenged. These are the most important guardrails and safety nets for Sino-US relations.

It is important to have more dialogue and cooperation. As things stand, China and the US have common interests that are expanding, not shrinking. Cooperation between the two countries is crucial not only in the economy, trade, agriculture, counter-narcotics, law enforcement, and public health, but also in addressing global challenges such as climate change and AI, and dealing with international hotspot issues. The two sides should expand the list of cooperation and achieve win-win results.

- Meeting the expectations of our people is important. China-US relations should always promote the well-being of our two peoples, bring us closer, and foster people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

It is important that we step forward to shoulder the responsibilities of major powers. China and the United States should always keep in mind our responsibilities to the future of humanity and world peace, and act in ways that are conducive to global unity, including by serving the global common good, engaging in constructive interaction, refraining from mutual attrition, and not coercing each other.

In summary, President Xi warned that 'if the two countries view each other as rivals and pursue vicious competition, it will disrupt and even set back relations.'

Meanwhile, President Biden expressed deep concern about China's continued support for Russia's defense industrial base. He emphasized the U.S. commitment to upholding international law, freedom of navigation and overflight, and peace and stability in the South China Sea and East China Sea. Regarding Taiwan, President Biden emphasized that there will be no change to the response to date, including the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Sino-U.S. Joint Communiqués, and the One China Policy. He reiterated that the United States expects the conflict between China and Taiwan to be resolved through peaceful means, and that the world has an interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

In 2023, the US Department of Defense estimated that China had 500 operational nuclear warheads, and would likely exceed 1,000 by 2030. This compares to 1,770 and 1,710 operational warheads deployed by the US and Russia, respectively, with the Defense Department stating that 'by 2030, much of China's arsenal will be at a high level of readiness.' Since 2020, China has also been modernizing its nuclear program, beginning to build next-generation ballistic missile submarines, testing hypersonic glide vehicle warheads, and conducting regular nuclear-armed maritime patrols. China has not released details of its nuclear arsenal, but officially maintains a policy of no first use and maintaining a minimum modern nuclear deterrent, and has urged other great powers to do the same.