Andrew Forrest’s Secret Mission: Bridging US and Chinese Perspectives on AI and National Security
Published on January 11, 2025
In a world rapidly embracing artificial intelligence, Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest has been quietly making waves. For the last five years, Forrest has dedicated his resources and influence toward bridging divides between US and Chinese foreign policy experts, aiming to foster a collaborative approach to national security and AI technology. Here’s a closer look at what his efforts through the Brookings Institution consortium have achieved.
The Stakes of AI
Forrest, the founder of the Minderoo Foundation and the metal mining giant Fortescue, describes AI as both a remarkable tool and a potential threat: "It is the most brilliant tool that has ever been created, but it is also the most dangerous." He believes that it is the responsibility of global leaders to implement necessary safeguards to ensure a safe future for coming generations.
His philanthropic endeavors have long focused on local causes in Australia, but Forrest is now using his wealth to facilitate critical discussions on AI between US and Chinese policy experts. He emphasizes that even the most powerful leaders can find value in compromise regarding humanity.
A Dialogue in Action
While this is the first time Forrest has publicly revealed his involvement, he has participated in 11 discreet rounds of dialogue since 2019. Through these exchanges, the Minderoo Foundation has supported various initiatives aimed at establishing people-centered AI policies, including funding the US-China Track II Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and National Security.
This dialogue isn’t just about theory—it’s leading the charge in preventing civilian harm from AI misuse. Forrest highlights a significant development: “Our work has underpinned the agreement announced by the Presidents of China and the USA to maintain human control over nuclear weapon decisions.”
Colin Kahl, a foreign policy expert, corroborated this sentiment. "This past November, at the meeting of Presidents Biden and Xi, they endorsed the principle of human oversight," Kahl noted. He also acknowledged the critical role of the Minderoo Foundation in making such discussions possible.
Milestones Achieved
In a significant achievement, the Brookings Institution and Tsinghua University released two AI national security glossaries in September 2024, which define critical terms related to AI and national security. This move is viewed as a ‘significant milestone,’ representing a mutual understanding in a complex landscape.
The parties involved have agreed that humans—not AI—must retain decision-making authority over the use of nuclear weapons. This is a crucial position for global safety, and it reflects the commitment of both nations to prioritize human control in nuclear strategy.
Minderoo’s Broader Impact on AI
Beyond the US-China discussions, the Minderoo Foundation is deeply invested in multiple facets of AI governance. In 2020, it announced AU$20 million in grants to establish a global network of academic centers focused on the societal implications of digital technologies and AI. Institutions across Australia, the US, and the UK are now part of this initiative, with Lord’s University and NYU being notable participants.
Additionally, the foundation has partnered with the UTS Human Technology Institute to push an AI Corporate Governance Program. This initiative aims to equip boards with essential knowledge for responsible AI governance.
The Road Ahead
As Forrest prepares to join a webinar dedicated to US-China dialogue on AI and national security, his efforts remain focused on fostering communication and understanding. The dialogue’s inclusivity brings together experts from Tsinghua University, the Hoover Institution, and the Brookings Institution, aiming to address how AI impacts security relations.
Reflecting on these developments, Forrest urges, “The world should know and heed this example: even the most powerful nations appreciate the value of compromise where humanity is concerned.”
Conclusion
Andrew Forrest’s work in bridging US and Chinese perspectives on artificial intelligence and national security is both pivotal and inspiring. As AI continues to evolve, the cooperative measures being established today may define a safer, more secure global landscape for generations to come.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
