Experts Push for Joint US-China Action on Climate and AI

SHANGHAI – Over the course of a week, American and Chinese experts delved into pressing global issues, focusing on climate change and artificial intelligence, and exploring opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. Discussions emphasized the need for joint action on climate security and AI governance to address shared challenges.

The dialogue was part of the “Shanghai-Nanjing Plus: Exploring Perspectives on China-U.S. Relations” program, an initiative co-sponsored by the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies and the Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center.

The program, which began in 2023, sought to bridge gaps between China and the U.S. through dialogue and academic exchanges. The delegation, comprising American professors, postgraduate students, researchers from think tanks and social organizations, and journalists, spent the past week visiting universities, museums, and think tanks across Shanghai, Nanjing, and Wuhan.

At the closing ceremony on Tuesday in Shanghai, the delegation joined local experts in roundtable discussions, where speakers highlighted the importance of collaboration on climate policy and AI governance as essential for addressing global challenges.

Experts also underscored the urgency of addressing climate change, calling it a critical threat to humanity. “We need to shift from securitizing climate issues to integrating them into security policies,” said Li Yanliang, a research fellow at the Institute for Foreign Policy Studies. Li stressed the importance of focusing more on climate-related cooperation to tackle the growing crisis.

In addition to climate change, AI emerged as a key area for potential collaboration. Both China and the U.S. share common interests in AI safety governance, according to Wang Tianchan, a research fellow at the Institute of Public Policy and Innovation.

“AI is a complex engineering challenge,” said Wang. “By sharing knowledge and information across governments, research institutions, and operations, we can create unique opportunities for cooperation that could benefit both nations.”

Wang also highlighted the complementary strengths of both nations in the AI field. The U.S., with its vast data resources and advanced algorithms, contributes significantly to global safety standards. Meanwhile, China brings valuable experience in commercial AI applications, particularly in bridging the digital divide through technology.

The joint program aligns with China’s broader efforts to strengthen ties with the U.S., particularly among younger generations. In a speech last November, President Xi Jinping announced China’s plan to invite 50,000 young Americans for exchange and study programs over the next five years.

Savannah Billman, a member of the delegation and senior digital communications associate at the U.S. National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, told Sixth Tone that this was her second time back in China since 2020.

“Visiting companies across three cities provided me with an overview of several sustainability and climate initiatives in China,” said Billman. “It was an exciting glimpse into a new field for me… and having previously lived in China as a student, it was a chance to see the country from a different perspective as a young professional.”

 (Header image: VCG)