China refuses to ratify a deal that bans AI from controlling nuclear weapons

Imagine a world in which artificial intelligence (AI) had the power to control nuclear weapons and potentially bring an end to the planet as we know it.

Well China could be just one step closer to this because the nation did not sign an agreement saying humans not artificial intelligence should make the key decisions on using nuclear weapons.

Around 100 countries across the globe attended the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summit in Seoul where the agreement was discussed.

The agreement held at the summit hosted by the UK, the Netherlands, Singapore and Kenya is not legally binding but was not signed by China.

It says it is essential to ‘maintain human control and involvement for all actions … concerning nuclear weapons employment’.

It added that AI capabilities in the military domain ‘must be applied in accordance with applicable national and international law.

‘AI applications should be ethical and human-centric.’

The declaration does not outline what sanctions or other punishment would occur if a country were to go against its findings.

It also noted how countries ‘need to engage in further discussions… for clear policies and procedures’ because of the growth of AI.

The Chinese embassy in Seoul did not respond to a request for comment.

In an era where conflict is ever more on the rise across the globe, the threat of nuclear war looms ever closer.

Russia was not invited to the summit because of its war on Ukraine.

South Korea’s defence minister Kim Yong-Hyun said: ‘As AI is applied to the military domain, the military’s operational capabilities are dramatically improved.

‘However it is like a double-edged sword, as it can cause damage from abuse.’

The summit builds upon the inaugural event held in The Hague in February last year.

It positions itself as the ‘most comprehensive and inclusive platform for addressing AI in the military domain.’

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