The UK recently hosted a major AI Safety Summit in a historic mansion near London, where leaders from over 20 countries and big names in tech, like Elon Musk and Sam Altman, came together. This meeting, set up by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s team, was the high point of a year full of heated talks about AI safety sparked by the buzz around ChatGPT. Everyone’s realizing how important it is to have rules for AI to make sure it’s safe and fair, especially for people who could be left behind. UK chose Bletchley Park for the meeting, a place famous for its WWII code-breakers and as the birthplace of modern computers, to stir up some of that historic innovative spirit. The UK's Science and Technology Minister Michelle Donelan kicked off the summit, hoping it would lead to big leaps forward in AI.

There were instances where it was initially anticipated that China might not receive an invitation to the summit. Both within the UK and on the international stage, there were protests and debates regarding China's inclusion in the event. Some argued against China's participation, raising concerns and objections. However, ultimately, the UK made the decision to extend an invitation to China. At the end of the summit, UK’s PM Sunak even accepted that it had been the “right decision” to invite China, despite vocal opposition to that choice from his opposition.

The United Kingdom's decision to invite China to the summit on artificial intelligence (AI) reflects a broader understanding of the intricate web of interdependencies that characterizes the modern geopolitical landscape, particularly in the realm of technology. The rationale behind this decision can be rooted in several key considerations that underscore China's integral role in the global tech ecosystem and its broader diplomatic significance.

Firstly, we must acknowledge the undeniable fact that China's influence and leadership in technology, especially in artificial intelligence, cannot be overlooked or neglected. Recognizing China's pivotal role is essential for any meaningful advancement in the global tech arena. China's geographic and cultural proximity to many nations in Asia fosters a natural conduit for technological diffusion and cooperation. Its central position in the East means that China is not merely a neighbor but a linchpin in regional networks of commerce, innovation, and technological advancement. The historical and cultural ties that bind China to its neighbors have established strong bilateral and multilateral relationships, which are further cemented by the integrated interests and interlinked destinies that these nations share.

Secondly, the UK's summit inherently encompassed a cross-cultural dimension, highlighting the significant interplay between different global perspectives. To consider Asian cultural contributions to the summit, one cannot ignore China's substantial influence and its central role in shaping the cultural and technological landscape of the region. The dialogue and outcomes of the summit would be markedly enriched by China's unique insights and experiences, given its status as a cornerstone of both the historical and contemporary narrative of Asia.

Moreover, after the recent Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing, the fabric of China's neighborhood diplomacy has proven to be woven with threads of mutual development and shared prosperity. China’s Foreign Policy outlook on its neighbors emphasizes on the creation of a community with a shared future. This vision encapsulates the notion that the growth and progress of one nation can catalyze and contribute to the region's collective advancement. By advocating for a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Asia, China positions itself not just as a regional leader but as a catalyst for regional cohesion and cooperation.

The principles of China’s foreign policy are mirrored in the technological realm, where China has emerged as a powerhouse of innovation, particularly in AI. The country's substantial investments in research and development, its robust manufacturing capabilities, and its vast market size make it a critical player in the global technology landscape. Many neighboring countries, as well as nations across the world, increasingly rely on Chinese technology for their digital infrastructure, telecommunications, and AI applications. This reliance extends beyond mere consumption of Chinese technology; it also involves collaborative research initiatives, joint ventures, and shared innovation ecosystems.

The UK's acknowledgment of China's role in AI is a pragmatic recognition of these realities. Despite the controversies and debates surrounding China's participation, the UK government's decision underscores a strategic and forward-looking approach to international dialogue and cooperation in AI. Ignoring China's contribution and perspective would not only be a disservice to the summit's objectives but could also hinder global progress in AI by excluding one of its most influential players.

Prof. Yi Zeng, a renowned authority on AI ethics and governance, was among the participants at the summit in the UK as a member of Chinese delegate. A luminary featured in Time Magazine’s top 100 AI influencers and a member of the UN's high-level AI advisory group, Prof. Zeng emphasized the unpredictable nature of AI development and the importance of international cooperation to foresee and forestall threats to humanity. He advocated for a global consensus on an AI treaty, promoting a united front among leading AI nations and industries to ensure the development and deployment of AI that is safe and beneficial for all.

Prof. Zeng presided over a critical panel on the first day focusing on the unpredictable nature of advances in frontier AI. The panelists acknowledged that AI capabilities are rapidly advancing beyond expectations, linking with other systems, and posing difficulties in predicting outcomes. The conversation turned to the importance of open access AI models for transparency and research support, yet also recognized the irreversibility and risks of their release, making the case for careful consideration of such technology.

Participants concurred on the need for shared evaluation tools for AI, yet cautioned that this does not eliminate the inherent development risks. A persistent and thorough monitoring of AI's evolution is imperative for its responsible and safe progression. The discussions at the summit underscored the delicate balance between harnessing AI's potential and mitigating its risks.

In his session concluding remarks and subsequent media interactions, Prof. Zeng proposed to the U.K. government to broaden the array of stakeholders involved in future summits, suggesting that a diverse collaboration is essential for guiding AI safely into the future. Prof. Zeng also commented on the news that both the UK and the US were in the process of establishing their own versions of an AI Safety Institute. Yet, his stance underscored a broader perspective, emphasizing the necessity for not just individual national institutes but a global network dedicated to AI safety.

Prof. Zeng's contributions to the event demonstrated that the engaging with China, therefore, is not a mere diplomatic courtesy; it is a necessity driven by the intertwined future of international technology development. Incorporating China in such international dialogues ensures that discussions capture a full spectrum of perspectives, making them more inclusive, comprehensive, and likely to lead to practical outcomes. This approach goes beyond political divides, focusing on the universal challenges and prospects that AI brings to the entire world.