Renmin University of China and Yale University Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies and China-U.S. Relations was successfully held

In April 2023, Renmin University of China and Yale University held two rounds of dialogue on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and Sino-US Relations.

The dialogue focused on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies in industrial development, social governance, and Sino-US relations. The dialogue was co-chaired by Ted Wittenstein, Executive Director of the International Security Studies and the Schmidt Program on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies at the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, and Wu Di, Assistant Professor at the School of International Studies and Director of History and Politics Programme, Renmin University of China.

Arne Westad, Elihu Professor of History and Global Affairs and Director of International Security Studies at Yale and Li Chen, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for International Security and Strategic Studies at the School of International Studies at Renmin University of China, delivered their welcoming speeches.

During the student presentation session, six student representatives from each side gave speeches in turn. In their presentations, they shared their views on various aspects of artificial intelligence and Sino-US relations, the impact of technological advances on strategic and security relations, and risk management. During the interim, students from both sides participated in more nuanced group discussions.

During the faculty comment session, four faculty representatives from each side alternated responses. John Gaddis, Robert A. Lovett Professor of Military and Naval History; Founding Director, Brady-Johnson Program in Grand Strategy, Yale University; Sun Hao,Associate Professor, Gaoling School of Artificial Intelligence; Wu Riqiang, Professor, School of International Studies; Brian Scassellati, Professor of Computer Science, Cognitive Science, and Mechanical Engineering; Director of the National Science Foundation Expedition on Socially Assistive Robotics, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale University; Steven Girvin, Eugene Higgins Chair in Physics and Applied Physics at Yale University and director of the Brookhaven National Quantum Laboratory; Liu Yang, assistant professor and director of the Center for Global Law and Strategy at Renmin University of China Law School; Stephen Roach, senior researcher at the Cai Zhongzeng China Center at Yale University and former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia; Ji Xianbai, associate professor of School of International Studies at Renmin University of China; Jamie Horsley, senior research of Cai Zhongzeng China Center at Yale Law School and Qi Yue, associate professor of Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China, delivered their comments in turn.

In the discussion session, undergraduate students from the Politics, Economics and Philosophy Programme (P.P.E.) at Renmin University of China, and master's students from Yale University's Business Administration and International Affairs Program spoke to further explore topics, such as the prospects for AI technology and building mutual trust in technology and policy cooperation between China and the United States.

Selected reflections from student participants

Liu Yixun (PhD student, International Politics, School of International Studies, Class of 2024): I gained a lot from the dialogues. The Yale colleagues looked at the potential impact of AI technologies in terms of socio-cultural, technological advances and legal norms and concluded that AI technologies have great potential to shape the future development of global society. Thus, the incremental threat or gain from AI technology motivate both China and the US to break the existing stock game pattern. It provides new ideas on how to manage bilateral differences and deserves our in-depth reflection.

Hao Huang (Master's student, Law School, Class of 2023): In the rapid development of artificial intelligence, how to weigh the risks and benefits brought by artificial intelligence has become an important topic. What struck me most about this dialogue was the way in which international relations and other disciplines think about issues related to AI. As we are two of the most influential countries in AI, there is an urgent need for cooperation between China and U.S.

Gao Qianlin (Undergraduate student, History and Politics Programme, School of International Studies, Class of 2026): In my presentations, I combined AI into daily life to discuss how can AI benefit society, as well as its shortcomings, cyber violence, then I reviewed AI governance trends in both China and the U.S.

Wang Xiushan (Undergraduate student of International Political Economy, School of International Studies, Class of 2023): During this talk, we gave very fine discussions based on different perspectives such as supply chain, brain science and philosophy of law. Despite the limited time for discussion, the two rounds of the dialogue provided important insights.

Cui Yuanrui (International Politics, School of International Studies, King's College London Double Masters' Programme, Class of 2024): During the online exchange, I glimpsed the dynamics of research and regulation and deepened my understanding of Sino- U.S. relations, strategic stability and international cooperation. I sincerely hope that this discussion will not only inspire the academic and scientific work of young people, but also building cooperation between the two countries.

Gao Zhengyang (Undergraduate Student, History and Politics Programme, School of International Studies, Class of 2025): This exchange provided a deeper dialogue on the cooperation in rational use of AI. I was impressed that "trust" was the focused by both sides, including historical fact-checking of AI-generated content, using AI to promote strategic trust between China and the U.S., and developing trustworthy AI systems. At a time of rapid technological change and competitive dynamics, trust is essential for the development of cutting-edge technologies and the maintenance of peace and stability.

He Xin (Undergraduate Student, Politics, Economics and Philosophy Programme, Class of 2025, School of Philosophy): Based on the previous dialogue, our discussion was more focused and relevant. In the interim discussion session, I talked about how we should recognize the limitations of one-way source of information. Finally, the development of emerging technologies is important, it should not only concern China and the United States but also all of humanity.

Liu Bo (Undergraduate student, History and Politics Programme, Class of 2025, School of International Studies): In the discussion, both sides engaged in a more in-depth dialogue. Differences between China and the U.S. were pointed out at the beginning, such as security concerns and preferences for narrow AI versus general AI. Despite that, both countries face common issues with AI. From autonomous weapons to the use of AI in strategic decision-making, the students suggested possible ways for China and the U.S. to cooperate.

Huo Shuying (Undergraduate Student, Politics, Economics and Philosophy, Class of 2025, School of Philosophy): The speakers on both sides emphasized common interests and similar concerns between the China and the U.S. on AI issues, which, I think, is crucial for making real progress on AI governance and resolving the problems that hinder Sino- U.S. cooperation. So, I am pleased to be able to learn more about the "differences" between the two sides through this dialogue.