Russia ,China ,U.S  

The U.S. urges China and Russia to confirm human control over nuclear weapons, emphasizing responsible behavior amidst discussions on AI's role in military decision-making.

A senior U.S. official recently emphasized the importance of ensuring that decisions regarding the deployment of nuclear weapons are solely in human hands, not controlled by artificial intelligence (AI). Paul Dean, a State Department arms control official, underscored the significance of this commitment during an online briefing. He highlighted that the United States, along with France and Britain, has firmly pledged that humans maintain total control over nuclear weapons.

Dean called upon China and Russia to follow suit and make similar declarations. He stressed that such a commitment to human control over nuclear weapons is essential for responsible behavior and global security. His remarks were directed towards the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, commonly referred to as the P5.

The call for human control over nuclear weapons comes at a time when the Biden administration is engaging in discussions with China on nuclear weapons policy and the development of artificial intelligence. These talks have become increasingly important as advancements in AI technology raise concerns about its potential role in military decision-making.

While the Chinese defense ministry did not immediately respond to Dean's request for comment, discussions between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on April 26 shed light on the growing importance of addressing AI-related issues. Blinken announced plans for the first bilateral talks between the U.S. and China on artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need to manage risks and ensure safety surrounding the technology.

Although U.S. and Chinese officials have resumed discussions on nuclear weapons as part of efforts to improve military communication, formal arms control negotiations are not anticipated in the near future. China, which is expanding its nuclear capabilities, previously proposed that the largest nuclear powers negotiate a no-first-use treaty among themselves.

In summary, the U.S. is urging China and Russia, along with other nuclear powers, to reaffirm the principle that decisions regarding nuclear weapons must be made by humans, not artificial intelligence. These efforts underscore the importance of responsible behavior and collaboration in addressing emerging challenges in nuclear weapons policy and AI development.