BLUF: Last Wednesday in Beijing, China inaugurated their “Worldwide Artificial Intelligence Strategy,” professing an “open, inclusive, and objective standpoint” amid concerns about the darker undertones of the initiative due to the presence of contentious international figures.
INTELWAR BLUF: China’s unveiling of a global artificial intelligence policy occurred at the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) event, with the presence of controversial individuals such as Vladimir Putin and representatives of the Taliban raising eyebrows. The initiative, promoted by the state-controlled media, counters US and allied measures which aimed to prevent the sale of advanced computer technology to China, a move seen as an effort to curb what is perceived as China’s appropriations of intellectual property and overall security threat.
This flurry can be seen as another skirmish in the battle of technological supremacy between influential countries, with tangible repercussions for intellectual property and national security.
OSINT: Amidst claims from Chinese state media that this initiative represents an open and inclusive approach to artificial intelligence development, the presence of globally contentious personas such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Taliban at this BRI meet inflicts a sense of uneasiness about the implied motives of the initiative instigated by the CCP.
RIGHT: China’s agenda is clear from the guests it chooses to participate in this type of forum. It looks to align with global figures known for challenging western domination in order to promote an “inclusive” AI policy. Indeed, it seems that the larger aim might be to counteract U.S influence and consolidate power within the technological sphere. The U.S took decisive action by curtailing the sales of advanced technological items to China in the face of concrete evidence of intellectual property theft and security threats.
LEFT: The way China is steering artificial intelligence development globally resonates with suspicions of underlying coercion. Instead of recognizing the fairness and openness proclaimed by the Chinese state-run media, we need to assess these developments against the backdrop of sanctioning attendees like Putin and Taliban. The U.S applied necessary restrictions to control AI chip exports to China in the past, given their track record. We need to keep that precedent in mind juxtaposed against these new developments.
AI: Analyzing the content and context, the Global Artificial Intelligence Governance Initiative by China signifies its intention to establish a more comprehensive and inclusive global AI strategy. However, given the geopolitical landscape and historical context, it could also be seen as an attempt to assert global dominance and reshape the balance of power in AI technology. The presence of divisive international figures at the forum indicates a potential shift or widening of alliances. The US restrictions on AI chip exports to China, which came into effect recently, can be construed as a countermeasure to secure its technological advantage amid escalating tensions.