Chinese Envoy Calls U.S. AI Investment Curbs Harmful
The U.S. targeting of investments in artificial intelligence (AI) in China is unhelpful for the “healthy development” of AI technology and divisive for global governance, said China’s U.N. envoy on Monday, July 1.
U.S. Draft Rules on AI Investments
Last month, the United States issued draft rules aimed at banning or requiring notification of certain investments in AI and other technology sectors in China. The goal is to prevent threats to U.S. national security.
China’s Response to U.S. Sanctions
“We are firmly opposed to these sanctions,” stated China’s U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong. His remarks followed the U.N. General Assembly’s adoption of a Chinese-drafted resolution, which promotes international cooperation on AI capacity-building.
The resolution urges the international community to create a fair, open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory business environment throughout the lifecycle of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems. Fu emphasised that the U.S. actions undermine this inclusive business environment and called on Washington to reverse its decision.
Impact on Global AI Standards
Fu argued that the U.S. stance does not support the healthy development of AI technology. He warned that it could divide the world regarding AI standards and governance rules.
The U.S. Treasury Department issued the proposed rules after President Joe Biden signed an executive order last August. This action is part of a broader initiative to prevent U.S. expertise from aiding China in developing advanced technology and dominating global markets.