France and China signed a joint declaration on AI (artificial intelligence) and global governance during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to France, with both presidents agreeing to take measures to take actions to work closely on tackling AI risks, the governance of AI, and strengthening cooperation to promote “secure, reliable, and trustworthy AI.”
France and China agree on mutual cooperation
President Emmanuel Macron and President Xi strongly believe in the significance of ongoing dialogue between the two countries in ensuring lasting solutions to global issues, and both countries have decided to solidify France-China relations as a key impetus for transnational governance in responding to world-wide challenges, according to the declaration, which has 10 sub-agreements.
Back in 2023, France and China reached a consensus for a joint declaration on April 7, and the current declaration is an add-on agreement for the previous one.
The declaration also said that France and China both fully appreciate the vital role of artificial intelligence in innovation and development, the possible and existing risks connected with this technology, and the substantial impact of its quick development.
Hence, both camps consequently agree that supporting the progress and security of AI and insisting on the importance of proper worldwide governance are indispensable and are dedicated to implementing effective measures to mitigate those risks.
Both countries will work together
Both countries are on the same page on the core principles of AI governance. They decided to factor in the malleability required for the speedy progress of technology while ensuring essential safeguarding of personal data, freedom of users, and the copyrights of those whose works are utilized by AI.
They also committed to promoting artificial intelligence systems that adhere to the basic principle of “AI for good.”
The declaration also noted that the work conducted at the United Nations will be a base for international cooperation in artificial intelligence governance, and France and China will also assist in reinforcing the connectivity capabilities of all countries, with a greater focus on developing countries, to combat a range of network security threats related to AI development and narrow the digital gap among developing nations.
China also invited France to attend and participate in a top-level session on global regulation of AI for the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), and China also showed its willingness to be a part of the 2025 AI summit that France will conduct and all the associated groundwork.
Last year, China also signed the “Bletchley Declaration” on November 1, which was also focused on AI governance along with 20 other countries.