Emerging technology governance ensures comprehensive security for ASEAN

On the afternoon of February 26, within the framework of the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 in Hanoi, the 4th plenary session took place with the theme "Governing emerging technologies to ensure comprehensive security".

Speaking at the plenary session, Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of ASEAN SOM China Sun Weidong said that in the context of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing gradually shaping the future in unprecedented ways, the effective application of emerging technologies plays a key role in human development.

According to Deputy Minister Sun Weidong, in recent years, China has made many achievements in AI, quantum technology, 5G, and clean energy, not only making positive contributions to the development of human science and technology, but also participating in the global AI governance process with a high sense of responsibility.

The emergence of AI and new technologies brings both challenges and opportunities to the world. China's Vice Foreign Minister said that there are four principles needed to promote the sustainable development of AI.

First , AI for global security, we need to take every opportunity to make AI more predictable, prevent the misuse of AI related to malicious purposes, ensure the development of AI is safe, transparent, controllable and for the common good of humanity.

Second , promote the principle of equity and universal access, ensure that all countries have equal access to AI governance without discrimination, encourage open-source AI technology, and support developing countries to narrow the AI ​​gap.

Third , support multilateralism, put forward an AI governance mechanism with universal participation of all countries based on the United Nations framework, while respecting each country's policies on this issue, and promote the participation of relevant parties to strengthen AI governance.

Fourth , empower AI development, promote AI application in all industries and fields to ensure sustainable socio-economic development, further expand the mechanism for exchange and cooperation on AI and other advanced technologies, unleash potential, and innovate globally on AI for the common benefit of all countries.

According to Vice Minister Sun Weidong, China and ASEAN are not only friendly neighbors but also close friends and reliable partners on the path towards openness, innovation and sustainable development. The two sides have established programs to promote science and technology development, innovation, build a sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystem, as well as build programs to enhance science and technology and AI skills to facilitate development.

In addition, China has established partnerships with ASEAN member countries in building data centers and providing cloud computing services at reasonable costs, building a favorable ecosystem, and laying a solid foundation for the future development of AI.

Regarding future cooperation directions, the Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister shared four proposals.

First , promote mechanisms for exchanging ideas, uphold common human values, strengthen cooperation based on ethical principles on AI governance, and work together to build international consensus on AI.

Second , further deepen the qualitative cooperation between the parties, encourage increased exchanges between scholars, enterprises, and industries to share information, expertise, and techniques, and promote international cooperation to incubate deeper cooperation projects on AI.

Third , improve AI skills. China will continue to promote open-source AI technology, focusing more on training and exchange programs to improve AI skills for ASEAN members. In addition, it can build partnerships and share information on AI to grasp the trend of digitalization and greening at a faster pace.

Fourth , promote shared governance. China is willing to share the ethical security risks of AI, cooperate with ASEAN, ASEAN law enforcement and security forces to respond to challenges such as cross-border data flows, and ensure information security.

Speaking at the discussion session, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul also mentioned the impact of breakthrough technologies, including AI.

The South Korean diplomat affirmed that the ASEAN Future Forum is an important event for the region, in the context of unprecedented geopolitical fluctuations, supply chain disruptions and the emergence of disruptive technologies that are increasing uncertainties. This requires governments, businesses and individuals to strive to adapt to a constantly changing world.

In such an uncertain context, the world needs to strengthen collective intelligence and solidarity.

According to Minister Cho Tae-yul, the ASEAN Future Forum is an important platform where countries come together to address common challenges and seize new opportunities. ASEAN is a regional locomotive, moving towards peace and prosperity, and is at the center of the global supply chain.

Minister Cho Tae-yul affirmed that Korea is ready to cooperate closely with ASEAN. Korea sees great potential in strengthening cooperation with ASEAN in various areas such as enhancing supply chain resilience, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Korea is also actively supporting ASEAN’s digital transformation, contributing to narrowing the digital gap and promoting innovation in the region.

During the discussion session titled “ASEAN’s role in uniting and promoting peace in a fragmented world”, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expected ASEAN and the UK to further strengthen cooperation in enhancing supply chain resilience and setting standards for new technologies such as artificial intelligence to create shared prosperity.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/quan-tri-cong-nghe-moi-noi-bao-dam-an-ninh-toan-dien-cho-asean-20250227003808382.htm