Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the event for the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy

Thank you, Madam Under Secretary of State, Bonnie Jenkins and Ambassador Wood for convening this very important meeting.
 
Given that AI is relatively new in the military domain, it is crucial for all states and other relevant actors to approach issues regarding its research, development, and deployment with cautious consideration.
 
We share a common goal of reducing the potential risks and uncertainties posed by military AI and strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law.
 
This approach aims to harness the full potential of AI while mitigating the associated risks and unintended consequences that may arise in its extensive military applications, spanning from unmanned vehicles to data processing.
 
The utilization of AI is of paramount significance for national and international security. AI can facilitate rapid information analysis, reduce human errors, and enable labor-saving and automation. Its proper application could contribute to better protection of civilians in conflicts and post-conflict peacebuilding. 
 
However, the military application of AI should be responsible, transparent and consistent with international law, rule and norms. It is equally essential to acknowledge the responsibility and accountability that rests upon states 　concerning the deployment and use of AI technology. Japan particularly welcomes the affirmation of this point in this Declaration and will promote efforts to adopt and implement AI principles in the military domain.
 
We also recognize the importance of the discussions on LAWS (Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems) under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). This Declaration complements and reinforces the work of the LAWS Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) in that framework.
 
Japan also welcomes recent discussions regarding responsible AI at the REAIM (Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain) Summit in the Netherlands and the AI Safety Summit in the UK. We look forward to further discussions at the next REAIM Summit in South Korea scheduled for next year.
 
Regarding military AI, Japan emphasizes the need for enhanced transparency as an important confidence-building measure. Further information disclosure concerning AI strategies, policies, and military applications is critically important and should be encouraged.

Furthermore, regarding the risk reduction of nuclear weapons, Japan welcomes the commitment by the United States, the United Kingdom, and France to maintain human control and involvement. We encourage all other nuclear-weapon States to declare such commitments.


Distinguished colleagues,

To ensure better AI governance, there is an urgent need for a principled approach. In this regard, Japan emphasizes the following three points:

Firstly, upholding the "human-centric" principle. AI should elevate human capabilities without controlling or dominating us.

Secondly, enhancing awareness and implementing effective risk management. Accurately grasping the characteristics of AI and exercising the necessary control in the process of advances in autonomy are crucial. States should consider appropriate mechanisms to identify, assess, prevent and, where feasible, mitigate risks across the life cycle of weapon systems. Furthermore, providing education and training to individuals using or overseeing AI is essential to ensure its proper utilization.

Lastly, promoting multi-stakeholder engagement, especially involving developers and innovators, is essential for ensuring responsible AI development.


Distinguished colleagues,

The basic normative framework embodied in the Political Declaration is fully aligned with the priorities of Japan that I previously outlined. Therefore, Japan fully endorses this Declaration and is committed to actively and constructively contributing to its implementation and future discussions to develop additional norms and basic principles, evolving from this document.

We encourage all states to join us in supporting this Declaration to make a safer world by promoting responsible military use of AI and autonomy. I thank you.