US, China discuss human-controlled nuclear weapons during talks

In a landmark meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two leaders agreed on the critical importance of maintaining human control over the decision to use nuclear weapons. 

“The two leaders affirmed the need to maintain human control over the decision to use nuclear weapons. They also stressed the importance of carefully considering potential risks and developing AI technology in the military field in a responsible and prudent manner,”the White House stated, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

A summary of the meeting from the Chinese government echoed this sentiment, although the Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It remains unclear whether this statement will lead to further discussions or concrete action on these issues. However, it marks a significant step in addressing two areas—nuclear arms and artificial intelligence—where progress has long been difficult.

Washington has been urging Beijing for months to move past its long-standing reluctance to engage in nuclear arms discussions.

The two countries briefly resumed official-level nuclear arms talks in November, but those discussions have since stalled. A senior US official publicly expressed frustration over China's lack of responsiveness.

Despite US concerns about China's rapid nuclear weapons buildup, formal negotiations on nuclear arms control are not expected in the near future, though some semi-official exchanges have resumed.

On the topic of artificial intelligence, China and the US held their first formal bilateral talks on the issue in May in Geneva. However, these talks are not believed to have addressed nuclear weapons decision-making.

According to a US Defense Department estimate from last year, China currently possesses 500 operational nuclear warheads and is expected to surpass 1,000 by 2030.

In comparison, the United States and Russia have 1,770 and 1,710 operational warheads, respectively. The Pentagon has noted that by 2030, a significant portion of China's arsenal will likely be on higher levels of readiness.

Since 2020, China has been modernizing its nuclear capabilities, including the production of its next-generation ballistic missile submarine, testing hypersonic glide vehicle warheads, and conducting regular nuclear-armed sea patrols.

With weapons deployed on land, in the air, and at sea, China now possesses the "nuclear triad," a characteristic of a major nuclear power.

Although China has not provided detailed information on its nuclear arsenal, it officially upholds a policy of "no first use" and aims to maintain a minimal yet modern nuclear deterrence. This year, Chinese officials have urged other nations to adopt a similar approach.

By Naila Huseynova