US-China AI Cooperation Requires Expert Collaboration and Corporate Pressure, Not Slowdown Debate
In a piece for the South China Morning Post, the author argues that the idea of China potentially agreeing to restrict AI advancements is misguided. Instead, for meaningful US-China cooperation on cutting-edge AI, two key factors are necessary: a safe space for tech experts to collaborate and pressure on leading companies to take action. The absence of this collaboration has sparked a lot of discussion, with many American colleagues asking the author during a recent trip to New York about the chances of Beijing agreeing to a deal. The author stresses the need to clarify who represents 'China' in this context, noting that many in China's AI safety sector are genuinely concerned about emerging risks, as shown by the AI Safety Governance Framework 3.0 from the National Technical Committee 260 on Cybersecurity. Understanding these perspectives is crucial for effective conversation.
Key facts
- The opinion piece was published by the South China Morning Post.
- Meaningful US-China action on frontier AI requires a safe space for technical experts to collaborate and pressure on leading companies to act.
- The author recently visited New York and was asked by US friends whether Beijing would agree to some form of arrangement.
- The author argues that the question of whether China would agree to slow AI development is the wrong question.
- The AI Safety Governance Framework 3.0 was recently published by the National Technical Committee 260 on Cybersecurity of the Standardisation Administration of China.
- Many in China's AI safety community are expected to be seriously concerned about frontier risks.
- The author suggests unpacking several other questions before predicting China's stance.
- The first question to clarify is who is meant by 'China' when asking what China thinks.
Entities
Institutions
- South China Morning Post
- National Technical Committee 260 on Cybersecurity of the Standardisation Administration of China
Locations
- China
- United States
- New York
- Beijing