Given the high stakes, a coordinated effort to rein in artificial intelligence is crucial. Talks between the two powers must communicate mutual concerns, dispel misunderstandings and prevent this emerging technology from becoming a new source of tension.

Humans are a tool-making species, but can we control the tools we make? When Robert Oppenheimer and other physicists developed the first nuclear fission weapon in the 1940s, they worried that their invention might destroy humanity. Thus far, it has not, but controlling nuclear weapons has been a persistent challenge ever since.

The wide divergences in Chinese and U.S. preferences regarding artificial intelligence suggest NGO-led engagements will yield greater security benefits than official meetings.

Expanding the dialogue to include a broader range of stakeholders would provide more diverse perspectives with regard to the risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence and, potentially, create new opportunities for innovation and experimentation.

Cooperation between China and the United States in Track II dialogues now can help to avoid potential risks in international security and avoid bumps in bilateral relations. Interactions can also contribute insights useful in the establishment of the international norms and institutions needed for global AI governance.

The Munich Security Conference generated a lot of heat but little progress on problems posed by artificial intelligence and how it should be regulated. Countries everywhere need to delicately balance tech development with regulation and navigate the fine line between inevitable competition and indispensable cooperation.

Sino-American AI cooperation is vital and feasible across most areas. And as a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong is uniquely capable of serving as the forum and location for in-depth engagement between China and the U.S, including inter-governmental and government-to-citizen dialogues.

China and the United States should promote dialogue and cooperation. Both possess rich talent resources, robust economies and cutting-edge high-tech power. Their interactions in the emerging field and the associated realm of global governance, will have a significant impact on the future of humanity.

Artificial intelligence is in its early stage, so it’s hard to accurately predict all its risks and benefits. But a new wave of AI is rapidly approaching. No one can afford to ignore the huge potential benefits of this technology and no one can afford to fall behind in international competition.

The new frontier of AI may be the most exciting technology in the world, and the most controversial. The need for regulations across cultures and countries could be an opening for the U.S. and China to cooperate for the greater good.