Enhancing AI Governance: Insights from the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum

In December 2024, the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum provided a critical platform for representatives from China and Japan to delve into the pressing issue of artificial intelligence (AI) governance and data sharing. The discussions highlighted the importance of international collaboration in shaping the future of digital economies and governance frameworks.

The Crucial Decade Ahead

During the sub-forum, experts underscored that the next ten years would be pivotal for AI development. Gao Wen, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, noted that since the State Council of China issued its guidelines on AI in 2017, the country has made substantial strides in AI research and its industrial applications, particularly in computing power and 5G technology. By the end of 2023, China boasted over half of the world’s 1.57 billion 5G users and ranked second globally in terms of AI and computing capacities, laying a robust foundation for future advancements.

Tatsuo Yamazaki, a project professor at the International University of Health and Welfare in Japan, emphasized that Japan and China’s collaborative dialogue on AI governance rules is essential for their mutual advancement. Fumihiko Kamio, research director of the Nomura Research Institute, reinforced this perspective by stating that the primary objective of AI technology should be to enhance productivity while minimizing hindrances to societal progress.

International Collaboration in AI Governance

The inception of the Global AI Governance Initiative by China last year reflects a commitment to fostering international cooperation. The recent UN General Assembly’s adoption of a China-sponsored resolution aimed at bolstering international collaboration in AI capacity-building illustrates a growing recognition of this need. Participants of the sub-forum commended China’s proposal for the Global Cross-Border Data Flow Cooperation Initiative, agreeing that effective AI governance necessitates global partnerships in establishing international standards and ethical frameworks.

Prominent figures from both nations recognized that China and Japan share both commonalities and differences in technology development and governance priorities. Wang Zhongyuan, president of the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, argued that deeper cooperation in AI technology between enterprises, collaborative AI security research, and talent exchange would yield significant benefits for global AI governance.

Addressing Risks in AI Development

AI governance encompasses the frameworks put in place to ensure that AI systems remain safe, ethical, and respectful of human rights. Xu Zhilong, editor-in-chief of Science and Technology Daily, highlighted that while AI represents a revolutionary force in society and economics, potential risks such as data breaches and misinformation proliferation must not be underestimated. It is essential to strike a balance between technological advancement and ethical security to ensure that AI continues to serve human progress.

Senior corporate advisor of NTT DATA, Toshio Iwamoto, stressed that AI research and application should adhere to principles of fairness, transparency, and safety. Yuan Yue, chairman of Beijing Dataway Horizon, shared insights regarding regulatory models, advocating for policy choices that reflect the current status and aspirations of national technological development. He pointed out that China tends toward a nurturing environment for enterprises while still addressing potential risks effectively.

Conclusion

As the discussion around AI governance evolves, the collaboration between nations like China and Japan could provide essential frameworks for other countries to emulate. By sharing knowledge, developing shared ethics, and regulating responsibly, these nations can leverage AI’s transformative potential while mitigating its risks, ultimately leading to a responsible and productive technological future for all.