Global AI military blueprint receives support, but China declines

Around 60 nations, including the United States, endorsed a ‘blueprint for action’ on Tuesday to regulate the responsible use of AI in military settings. The blueprint was unveiled at the second Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summit in Seoul. However, China was among the countries that declined to support the legally non-binding document.

The blueprint builds on discussions from last year’s summit in Amsterdam and outlines concrete steps, such as risk assessments and ensuring human involvement in decisions related to AI in military operations, including nuclear weapons. It also emphasises preventing AI from being used in weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by non-state actors, such as terrorist groups.

The summit, co-hosted by the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, aims to foster global cooperation without being led by a single entity. Despite this, China and approximately 30 other countries refrained from endorsing the document, highlighting differing views among participants on AI’s military use.

As the international community moves forward, discussions on AI in military contexts are expected to continue at the United Nations General Assembly in October. Experts stress that while the blueprint is a step forward, progress must be made carefully to avoid alienating countries from engaging in future talks.