Madame Chair,

Let me begin by thanking the UNODA for organizing this meeting.

Application of AI in the military domain has become an irreversible trend in global military transformation. AI is driving a new round of technological and industrial revolution and reshaping the very nature of warfare and national defense. Its application in military domain also brings emerging risks and challenges to international peace and security.

Certain states allowed tech giants to be drawn into armed conflicts as war machines for pursuing hegemony, manipulated algorithms across border in abusing foreign sovereignty. Humanitarian tragedy were caused by blurred safeguards of human control. There is need to improve governance of AI in the military domain.

Last September, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative, outlining five core concepts, including sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered approach and action orientation. This initiative provides a pertinent guidance for governing emerging technologies including AI.

AI in the military domain has implications on the common security of humanity. China prioritizes risk prevention and security governance of AI in the military domain.

Firstly, safeguarding peace and justice. AI should not be applied in the military domain in a manner that exploits technological superiority to pursue hegemony or undermine territorial integrity and sovereignty of other countries. It is important to maintain strategic stability and ensure applications of AI in the military domain contribute to peace and security. This is a fundamental benchmark of  “responsibility”.

Secondly, exercising prudence and responsibility. There is need to effectively prevent strategic miscalculation and conflict escalation, and strike a balance between national security, technological development, and peaceful uses. Tiered and categorized approach should be adopted to avoid misuse or malicious application, and prevent abuse by non-state actors.

Thirdly, upholding humanitarian principles. All weapon systems should remain under human control at all times, and humans should bear the ultimate accountability. The principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution must always be upheld to prevent indiscriminate harms to innocent civilians.

Fourthly, promoting multilateral consultations. The UN plays an indispensable role in building an inclusive and consensus-based governance framework with universal participation. Efforts should be made to avoid overstretching the concept of “national security” to justify technological decoupling or creating any artificial barriers.

The Chinese delegation will further elaborate on the relevant issues in the following sessions of the informal exchanges.

Thank you, Madame Chair.