US and UK Refuse to Sign AI Summit Declaration: VP Vance Emphasizes US Leadership in AI

AI Summit Declaration Rejected by US and UK: A Look at the Global AI Debate and Future Directions / Reuters 

At the AI summit held in Paris, France, on February 11, 2025, US Vice President JD Vance made headlines by refusing to sign the summit's final declaration, which called for international collaboration on building a safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) system. The declaration emphasized global cooperation to develop AI that is transparent, ethical, and inclusive. While nearly 60 nations signed the declaration, both the United States and the United Kingdom chose not to participate in what they deemed overly regulatory terms.

Vance, speaking at the conclusion of the summit at the Grand Palais in Paris, reiterated the US's firm stance on maintaining global leadership in AI technology. He emphasized that America would continue to set the highest global standards for AI development, aiming to sustain its position as the world leader in artificial intelligence innovation. Reflecting the "America First" approach, Vance's refusal to sign the document underscored his concerns that the declaration's focus on regulation could stifle AI progress, particularly for the US, which is currently at the forefront of AI research and development.

In his remarks, Vance pointed to the Trump administration's strategy of advancing the strongest AI systems by leveraging the US-designed and manufactured semiconductor technology. He stressed that while the US was open to global partnerships, it was crucial to avoid creating overly restrictive international regulations that could hinder technological progress. Vance’s message was clear: for AI to flourish globally, international regulations should support the development of AI rather than impose excessive constraints.

The final declaration of the AI summit outlined the vision of creating AI systems that are open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, and, importantly, safe and trustworthy. It called for the establishment of an international framework that would ensure these values are embedded in AI development. However, Vance’s objections centered on the belief that such a framework could be too restrictive for the US and other innovative nations.

The United Kingdom joined the US in rejecting the declaration, with government officials describing the language of the document as “too restrictive.” The UK, which is home to DeepMind, the company behind AlphaGo, is a major player in the global AI race and shares similar concerns about overly stringent regulations.

This decision to reject the declaration comes amid growing competition in the AI sector, particularly with China. The US has expressed concerns that it could fall behind China in the AI race, as China has demonstrated the ability to build high-performance AI systems with low-cost, low-spec computers using technologies like distilled AI. This has raised alarms in the US, as it fears falling behind in the global technological race.

Europe, on the other hand, is working to reduce its reliance on both the US and China by investing in its own AI infrastructure. French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted the summit, announced plans to invest 200 billion euros into data centers and computer clusters to strengthen Europe’s position in the AI race. This initiative is part of Europe's broader strategy to build a robust AI industry capable of competing with the US and China in the long term.

As the AI debate continues to unfold globally, the refusal of the US and the UK to sign the declaration marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse on how to regulate artificial intelligence. While nations around the world explore different approaches to AI governance, the US remains committed to maintaining its leadership and fostering an environment that encourages innovation rather than imposing heavy regulatory burdens. The AI summit in Paris serves as a crucial reminder of the challenges and opportunities facing the global AI landscape, as countries navigate the balance between regulation and technological advancement.