China Declines to Sign AI-Controlled Nuclear Weapons Ban at Global Summit

China has refused to sign a non-binding agreement aimed at keeping artificial intelligence (AI) out of key decision-making roles in the use of nuclear weapons. This stance emerged during the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summit held in Seoul, where nearly 100 countries, including the U.S. and Ukraine, endorsed a declaration promoting human control over nuclear decisions.

The agreement, titled the “Blueprint for Action,” stresses the importance of maintaining human oversight in military actions, particularly concerning nuclear weapons. It also emphasizes that AI applications in military contexts must adhere to national and international laws and remain ethical and human-centric.

Despite wide participation, China did not join the agreement, and the Chinese embassy in Seoul has not provided an official comment on the decision. The summit, co-hosted by the UK, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Kenya, is seen as a significant step in addressing the growing influence of AI in military operations.

AI technologies are already utilized in reconnaissance and surveillance, with future possibilities of autonomous target selection. The agreement, however, does not outline consequences for violations, signaling a need for further international discussions on AI governance in the military domain.

Russia was excluded from the summit due to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The event follows the inaugural meeting in The Hague in 2023 and aims to create a comprehensive platform for AI regulation in the military sector.