Experts attending the ongoing Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Thursday called for codifying the basic rules governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern weapons and defense activities, which runs from Sept 12 to 14.
Under the theme of "Promoting Peace for a Shared Future," this year's forum features critical discussions on global security, regional stability, and innovative technologies in defense, with widest attendance from over 100 countries and organizations.
During a special academic activity of the forum, leading experts had a dialogue on AI security on Thursday afternoon as AI's influence has extended beyond mere production process, reaching a wide range of areas, including the military.
"This is still relatively new in the United States, but I think you can see it as an area of growth to have greater discussions about military AI and AI issues in the large," said Chad Sbragia, research staff member at the Institute for Defense Analyses, also former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for China.
Calling AI tools double-edged swords, he called for efforts to hammer out basic rules and guidelines for the use of the technology.
As AI's development direction is towards man-machine integration, how to make use of it in the military is another topic discussed at the event.
"The future development of AI in the military will focus on human-machine interaction and intelligent systems that integrate human, machines, and the environment. The outcome depends on who uses the technology, as different users will lead to different results. Therefore, we strongly urge the international community to take a unified stance, much like the opposition to nuclear weapons, and resist the misuse of AI, which could harm world peace," said Liu Wei, director of the human-machine interaction and cognitive engineering laboratory with the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications.
Experts call for codifying rules on AI use in military at Xiangshan Forum
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
