Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Weapons: State Department Official Urges China and Russia to Declare Human-Only Control

The State Department is urging China and Russia to declare that only humans will make decisions on deploying nuclear weapons. This call comes as concerns grow over the potential risks of artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations.

The United States has made a "very clear and strong commitment" that nuclear employment decisions will only be made by humans, according to Paul Dean, an official in the State Department's Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability.

"We would never defer a decision on nuclear employment to AI. We strongly stand by that statement and we've made it publicly with our colleagues in the UK and France," Dean said during a press briefing.

Dean urged China and Russia to make similar declarations, noting that it was "an extremely important norm of responsible behavior."

The State Department has previously stated that Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed "artificial intelligence risks and safety" during a meeting in Beijing last week.

"I do think that there is a real opportunity right now as countries increasingly turn to artificial intelligence to establish what the rules of responsible and stabilizing behavior will look like," Dean said.

"And I think it's – this is a conversation... that I think all major militaries and major economies – like the United States and China – have to deal with," he added.

Dean emphasized that AI will "revolutionize militaries" across a range of applications, including battlefield use, efficiencies, logistics, and decision-making.

"And I would emphasize here that the issue is not limited to battlefield use but these technologies will be used by militaries across the entire range of their operations on efficiencies and logistics, decision making," he said.

Dean acknowledged that new technologies also present risks if not used responsibly.

"This technology will really revolutionize militaries across a range of applications," he said. "And I think this presents great promise and I think there's significant upside in this, but of course, as with all new technologies, there are risks if the technology is not used in a responsible way."

The U.S. and 54 partners have endorsed a political declaration on responsible uses of military AI, which aims to ensure accountability and safe use of the technology.

"This declaration will ensure there is no accountability gap in the use of artificial intelligence in the military, and ensure that the applications are designed and used according to rigorous technical specifications, with some designs built in to ensure that there can be safeguards and that the technology can be used in a responsible way," Dean said.

The State Department's call for human-only control of nuclear weapons comes amid heightened tensions with China and Russia. The department has previously expressed concerns about China's growing nuclear arsenal and Russia's recent threats to use nuclear weapons in its war against Ukraine.

The U.S. has repeatedly reiterated its commitment to deterring nuclear aggression and maintaining a strong nuclear deterrent. However, it also recognizes the need for responsible and safe use of AI in military operations, particularly in the context of nuclear weapons.