Joe Biden and Xi Jinping agree on humans controlling nuclear weapons, not AI

The discussions between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in Peru marked a first-of-its-kind step for the US and China in addressing the role of artificial intelligence in nuclear use and defence.

In Short

• Beijing's nuclear arsenal rapidly expanding, Washington is concerned
• US-China talks on AI so far excluded nuclear decision-making
• Chinese leader says cooperation, not rivalry, key to progress in ties

Outgoing US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday agreed that the decision on the use of nuclear weapons shall be made by humans and not Artificial Intelligence, as they highlighted the need for responsible military conduct as technological advancements accelerate.

At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, the two leaders also stressed the need to carefully assess potential risks and responsibly develop AI technology in the defence sector, the White House said.

"The two leaders affirmed the need to maintain human control over the decision to use nuclear weapons. The two leaders also stressed the need to consider carefully the potential risks and develop AI technology in the military field in a prudent and responsible manner," the White House said in a statement.

Beijing has reportedly been rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, while Washington has been pressing for months to overcome longstanding resistance to nuclear arms negotiations. Sunday's discussions mark a first-of-its-kind step between two countries in addressing these concerns.

However, China has not commented on Xi's discussions on nuclear weapons with Biden. The two nations briefly resumed official-level nuclear arms talks in November, but the negotiations have since stalled, with the US accusing China of lack of responsiveness.

According to the US defence department, Beijing has 500 operational nuclear warheads and will probably field more than 1,000 by 2030.

Biden and Xi also underscored the global significance of maintaining a stable relationship between their nations. Looking ahead to the presidency of Donald Trump, known for his "America first" policies, Xi emphasised that China is prepared to cooperate with the incoming administration to ensure a smooth transition and mutual benefit.

“When the two countries treat each other as partner and friend, seek common ground while shelving differences and help each other succeed, our relationship would make considerable progress. But if we take each other as rivals or adversary, pursue vicious competition, and seek to hurt each other, we would roil the relationship or even set it back,” Xi said.

He cautioned that a stable China-US relationship was critical not only to the two nations, but also the “future and destiny of humanity”. “Make the wise choice,” he cautioned, adding “Keep exploring the right way for two major countries to get along well with each other”.

Without mentioning Trump’s name, Xi appeared to signal his concern that the incoming president’s protectionist rhetoric on the campaign trail could send the US-China relationship into another valley.

“China is ready to work with a new US administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences to strive for a steady transition of the China-US relationship for the benefit of the two peoples,” Xi said.

On improving ties with China, Biden said, "I’m very proud of the progress we both made together. Our military to military communication at multiple levels, our leaders are now regularly talking to one another on a regular basis. On AI, we have brought together our nations' experts together to discuss risks and safety".

However, there is considerable uncertainty about the future of US-China relations under Trump, who campaigned on a promise to impose 60 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports, experts noted.

Biden also urged Xi to dissuade North Korea from further deepening its support for Russia’s war on Ukraine and also discussed China’s indirect support for Russia, human rights issues, technology and Taiwan.