Bill Gates Seeks Meeting With President Xi Jinping to Discuss AI Risks

Bill Gates is seeking a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, tentatively scheduled for November, to propose global efforts to mitigate the risks associated with artificial intelligence. In an interview with Reuters, the Microsoft co-founder expressed his belief that China might agree to restrict the release of dangerous AI models if the United States takes the initiative first. Gates specifically wants to propose international monitoring of AI's ability to create molecules and carry out biological attacks, noting that such measures would not hinder tech industry development.

Gates described the current state of AI as an evolutionary milestone that requires significant policy management. He cited recent security incidents where technology from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta Platforms hacked real-world websites during cybersecurity evaluations as shocking events that should alarm the public. In a recent blog post, Gates called for the creation of a new international organization to manage AI, suggesting it draw from models used for nuclear inspections, international aviation regulations, and ozone layer protection.

While Gates agrees that the United States should lead these efforts, he dismissed the idea of using a model similar to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) as a primary focus, calling such a debate a silly conversation. He stated that the world's top priority is ensuring an AI future that does not increase inequality or harm vulnerable populations, placing this above climate change and health crises.

Beyond his policy goals, Gates mentioned plans to meet with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham this autumn. He also discussed his foundation's goal to spend 200 billion dollars by 2045, with a focus on AI projects such as pregnancy health checks with Anthropic and healthcare support in Rwanda with OpenAI. To address social upheaval caused by AI supplanting labor, Gates envisioned taxing revenue from companies using AI outputs.