​​​​HAMILTON, Canada

China on Wednesday called for stronger global cooperation to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) serves humanity, stressing the need to prevent its misuse and the development of lethal autonomous weapons.

Speaking at the UN Security Council's open debate on AI and international peace and security, Executive Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu underlined the Council's responsibility and noted its role in "advancing global AI governance and managing non-traditional security risks is indispensable."

"The development of artificial intelligence must always aim to enhance the well-being of humanity," he said, stressing a people-centered approach."

Ma urged member states to "jointly foster an open, inclusive, fair and non-discriminatory environment for technological development, and firmly oppose unilateralism and protectionism," while accelerating efforts to bridge the "North-South AI divide."

"It’s essential to ensure that AI remains under human control and prevents the emergence of lethal autonomous weapons that operate without human intervention," he warned and highlighted the security risks of military applications.

Ma also warned that the Council must address the "misuse of AI by terrorist groups, extremist forces and transnational criminal networks," stressing the importance of promoting a joint international response.

He noted that "in 2021, China released its position paper on regulating military applications of artificial intelligence" and pledged that Beijing "will continue to work with all countries to actively participate in global AI governance and contribute wisdom and strength to building a world of lasting peace and universal security."