Bill Gates seeks Xi Jinping meeting to discuss AI risks

Bill Gates is looking to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year, aimed at exploring the ways and proposing global efforts to tackle risks posed by artificial intelligence.

Speaking to Reuters, the Microsoft co-founder explained the reason for seeking a meeting with the Chinese president. He believes that Xi Jinping might agree to restricting potentially dangerous AI models, provided the US takes the first step in that matter.

"The whole world would go along with that," said Gates, who met with Xi three years ago.

Speaking about the plans Gates would like to propose, the billionaire philanthropist said the plans will include the countries should monitor AI’s ability to develop new molecules and carry bio-attacks.

"Yes, in the past, technology never did this. This time is different. This is like an evolutionary milestone that needs incredible policy management by society as ​a whole.”

Gates believes that China is making efforts to protect the population especially youth from the harms of artificial intelligence especially the AI companions.

Gates' staff are working to finalize a meeting with Xi during his upcoming trip to China, tentatively planned for November, according to his spokesperson.

He has shifted from a more optimistic view of deep concern over AI’s potential to conduct cyberattacks and displace jobs. He also pointed to shocking incidents where AI agents belonging to top-notch companies OpeAI, Anthropic and Meta either autonomously interacted with real-world or hacked the other companies.

In a blog post, Gates advocated for a new international organization, combining elements of nuclear inspections, international aviation rules, and ozone layer protection agreements, to manage and regulate AI.

Gates also stated that ensuring AI does not widen inequality or harm the vulnerable is the "world’s top priority," ranking it even ahead of climate change and health crises.

The Gates’ foundation aims to spend $200 billion by 2045 aimed at integrating AI in the health landscape.