US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached a historic agreement on Saturday, highlighting the significance of human decision-making in relation to artificial intelligence in the realm of nuclear weapons.
A statement from the White House stated, “The two leaders acknowledged the importance of maintaining human control over the decision-making process for the use of nuclear weapons. They also emphasized the necessity of carefully assessing potential risks and developing AI technology in the military sector in a cautious and responsible manner.”
This breakthrough signifies a major advancement in the dialogue between the two countries concerning nuclear arms and artificial intelligence, domains that have posed challenges in the past.
The US has been urging China to participate in nuclear arms discussions for several months, although talks had previously stalled after a brief restart in November, causing frustration on the part of the US due to China’s limited responsiveness.
According to the US Defense Department, China currently possesses approximately 500 operational nuclear warheads, with projections indicating that this number could surpass 1,000 by 2030.
This rapid escalation has raised concerns, particularly in light of China’s modernized nuclear program, which includes advanced ballistic missile submarines, hypersonic glide vehicles, and regular nuclear-armed sea patrols.
While China’s nuclear arsenal pales in comparison to those of Russia (1,710 operational warheads) and the US (1,770 operational warheads), its advancements have sparked apprehension about a potential arms race. Nevertheless, China maintains a policy of no first use and advocates for minimal nuclear deterrence.
The Biden administration recently updated its classified nuclear guidance, citing worries about nuclear stockpiles in China, North Korea, and Russia. While the agreement is a positive development, it remains uncertain whether it will lead to further negotiations or concrete actions.
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