On the afternoon of August 26, the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) of Tsinghua University held the 85th Security and Strategy Seminar on “Artificial Intelligence-empowered Foreign Affairs.” Moderated by Xiao Qian, Deputy Director of CISS and Vice Dean of the Institute for AI International Governance (I-AIIG), the Seminar invited experts and scholars from Peking University, Tsinghua University, China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL), China People’s Liberation Army National Defense University, Alibaba Group, and other universities and scientific research institutes to exchange views on such topics as the impact of AI on foreign affairs and how to achieve AI-empowered foreign affairs.

In the keynote session, the participating experts discussed the application scenarios and practices of AI technology in foreign affairs, the progress of major countries in AI-empowered foreign affairs, and the risks and challenges that may exist in the AI application in foreign affairs. They believed that the potential changes that AI will bring to foreign affairs include improving the work efficiency of diplomats, enhancing analytical capabilities, facilitating understanding and communication, changing the diplomatic form through virtual and digital diplomacy, and enhancing national discourse and influence. Application scenarios for AI technology in foreign affairs include diplomat training, knowledge base construction, intelligence analysis, crisis management, and public diplomacy. Finally, they drew a conclusion that the rational use of AI technology can enhance the efficiency and influence of diplomatic work and promote international peace and development. At the same time, it is also necessary to pay attention to the risks and challenges posed by AI technology and formulate corresponding norms and regulatory measures to ensure that AI technology is safe, reliable, and controllable.

The Seminar was joined by Zhang Qingmin, Professor and Chair of the Department of Diplomacy, School of International Studies, Peking University; Hao Min, Dean of Law School, University of International Relations and Director of the Intellectual Property and Technology Security Research Center; Li Qiang, Associate Professor and Director of the Military Law Institute, CUPL; Zhang Ling, former Associate Professor of the School of National Security, China People’s Liberation Army National Defense University; Li Zhi, Nonresident Senior Fellow of CISS and Assistant Dean of China Institute for Development Planning; Tang Xinhua, Associate Researcher of the Institute of International Relations, Tsinghua University; Zhao Jing, Associate Professor of the School of Public Policy & Management, Tsinghua University; Gu Dengchen, Deputy Director of Alibaba Group’s Policy and Regulation Research Office; Li Dong, Senior Industry Solutions Architect of Alibaba Cloud; Liu Xingchen, Commercial Technologist of Alibaba Cloud; Yu Bo, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Public Affairs Department at Alibaba Group; Xiao Qian, Deputy Director of CISS; and Dong Ting, Fellow of CISS.