A senior U.S. official, Paul Dean from the State Department's Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability, emphasized during an online briefing the importance of ensuring that human decision-making remains paramount in the deployment of nuclear weapons.
He stressed that the United States, along with France and Britain, has made a firm commitment to maintaining human control over nuclear weapons, and he urged China and Russia to follow suit.
Dean highlighted the significance of this commitment as a fundamental norm of responsible behavior, especially among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. He referred to these members as the "P5," which includes the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom.
These remarks come at a time when the Biden administration is engaged in discussions with China on various fronts, including nuclear weapons policy and the development of artificial intelligence (AI).
Notably, during talks between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on April 26, both sides agreed to hold bilateral discussions on AI in the near future. Blinken emphasized the importance of managing risks and ensuring the safety of AI technology.
While U.S. and Chinese officials have resumed discussions on nuclear weapons, formal arms control negotiations are not expected to occur immediately. This comes as China continues to expand its nuclear capabilities.
In February, China proposed that the largest nuclear powers should negotiate a treaty committing to not using nuclear weapons first, highlighting its stance on nuclear non-proliferation.
Overall, Dean's comments underscore the ongoing efforts to address the intersection of nuclear weapons policy and emerging technologies like AI, as nations navigate the complex landscape of international security and arms control.