Russia Strengthens AI Alliance With China Amid Western Sanctions

President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government and Sberbank, the nation's largest financial institution, to enhance collaboration with China in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This directive underscores Moscow's strategy to deepen its partnership with Beijing as it grapples with the constraints of Western sanctions, Reuters reported.

Putin's mandate highlighted the importance of "further co-operation with the People's Republic of China in technological research and development in the field of artificial intelligence." The move is part of a broader effort to align with non-Western nations, particularly in critical technology sectors, to reduce dependence on Western resources.

This decision follows Russia's commitment to strengthening ties within the BRICS bloc and other allied nations to accelerate advancements in AI. Analysts point to the significant impact of Western export controls, which have restricted Russia's access to essential microchips and other advanced technologies, as a key driver of this pivot. These sanctions have hampered Moscow's ambitions to compete globally in AI development.

With the United States and its allies dominating AI innovation, Russia's partnership with China represents a strategic attempt to counterbalance this influence. Despite its aspirations, Russia lags behind in AI metrics, ranking 31st out of 83 countries in areas such as implementation, innovation, and investment. By intensifying its collaboration with China, Moscow seeks to bridge this gap and assert itself in this transformative field.

Previously in February 2024, delegations from Russia and China held high-level consultations in Beijing to discuss the military applications of AI. The talks focused on shared perspectives, doctrinal approaches, and potential joint initiatives, a press release by Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Both nations agreed to coordinate their efforts within the framework of the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (GGE on LAWS), an international platform under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.

The discussions reaffirmed the alignment of Russian and Chinese views on the role of AI in military strategies and highlighted the need for closer collaboration. The two sides emphasized the importance of bilateral coordination and active engagement in multilateral forums to influence the global conversation on AI and autonomous weaponry.

Russia's advancements in military AI, including its work on AI-powered drones capable of operating in swarms, have drawn international attention. However, its progress has been stymied by the effects of sanctions, which have limited access to critical components. Although some US-manufactured parts continue to reach Russia through intermediaries, Washington has refrained from directly accusing American firms of breaching export regulations.

By strengthening its partnership with China, Russia aims to overcome these challenges and position itself as a contender in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. This collaboration holds the potential to reshape the dynamics of technological power, with significant implications for the future of AI and global geopolitics.