#15: Bill Drexel on AI, China, and National Security
Feb 7, 2025
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Bill Drexel, a Fellow at the Center for a New American Security, dives into the alarming intersection of AI and national security in the context of U.S.-China relations. He discusses China's aggressive surveillance tactics, particularly in Xinjiang, and the ominous potential for AI to enhance biological weapons. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape of AI development, the implications of autonomous systems, and the need for the U.S. to navigate these challenges while upholding its core values.
China aims to surpass the U.S. in AI and biotechnology, viewing technological leadership as essential for state control and power.
The potential misuse of AI in developing targeted bioweapons highlights an urgent need for improved biosecurity measures and international cooperation.
Deep dives
China's Ambitious AI and Biotech Goals
China aims to surpass the United States in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2030 and biotechnology by 2035. This ambition is driven by the belief that advancing technology is key to solidifying state power and maintaining control over the Chinese population. Historical context indicates that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) views technological leadership as a pathway to prevent future vulnerabilities, such as those perceived in previous power dynamics. The integration of AI into governance strategies showcases this approach, as the CCP seeks to develop advanced systems that can enhance surveillance and control mechanisms.
Surveillance and Control in Xinjiang
China's implementation of state surveillance in regions like Xinjiang, particularly in urban centers like Kashgar, exemplifies its commitment to using AI for societal control. The process involves a comprehensive surveillance architecture utilizing facial recognition, biometric data collection, and intrusive data gathering methods. Reports indicate that the transformation of Kashgar into a surveillance city demonstrates how the state induces compliance and conformity through technological means and incentivizes a new civic culture aligned with CCP objectives. While this model represents extreme measures, it raises concerns about the potential for similar strategies to proliferate throughout China and globally.
AI's Role in Bioweapons and National Security Risks
The potential for AI to influence bioweapons development is a significant concern, with capabilities emerging that could facilitate targeted biological attacks. While the possibility of creating ethnically targeted pathogens remains speculative and challenging, advancements in AI may allow for the customization of biological agents to geographic and environmental conditions. This focus on targeting through AI could enable new forms of bioweaponry that are not only lethal but also strategically viable without significant blowback on the aggressor's population. As these technologies advance, the risks associated with misuse escalate, highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive biosecurity measures.
International AI Competition and Global Values
In the context of global tech competition, China is not only focused on domestic advancements but also actively promoting its AI agenda worldwide. This strategy emphasizes establishing ecosystems influenced by Chinese values, contrasting with the U.S.'s efforts to project its technological leadership. Observations indicate that China's ability to rapidly scale existing technologies poses a threat to the U.S., particularly in strategic regions like the Global South. To counter this, it is crucial for the U.S. to engage more robustly in international dialogues and collaborations, ensuring that emerging technologies align with democratic values rather than authoritarian practices.
Bill Drexel, Fellow at the Center for a New American Security's Technology and National Security Program, joined the podcast to discuss China's surveillance implementation and AI capabilities, open source AI, AI's potential role in enhancing bio weapons, U.S.-China relations on AI, U.S. AI policy actions, global AI competition, and more.