The UK Foreign Secretary expresses openness to engage in AI governance collaboration with China

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly reaffirms the UK’s commitment to fostering international collaborations on AI development and regulation, particularly with China, despite lingering security concerns. The primary sources of apprehension stem from the United States, where intelligence, military, and political circles express reservations about partnering with China on AI initiatives. These US officials harbour worries over China’s ambitions to weaponize AI and establish far-reaching surveillance capabilities, heightening data security concerns.

During an interview at the UN headquarters in New York, Cleverly underscores the borderless nature of AI, emphasising the shared incentive for nations to forge productive partnerships. He stresses the significance of striking a balance between the beneficial aspects of AI and taking preventive measures against potential risks. Recognising AI’s transformative potential across vital sectors such as healthcare, finance, and transportation, Cleverly advocated for a responsible and cautious approach to its progress.

On 18 July 2023, James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, chaired the first-ever UN Security Council session on AI. The meeting was initiated under Britain’s presidency of the body and is a part of the UK border agenda of taking the lead in global AI governance. Cleverly was joined by António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN, and Jack Clark, the co-founder of AI company Anthropic.