REAIM Summit 2024: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into military operations has opened up a world of possibilities, but it also raises important questions about ethics, safety, and global security. At the REAIM Summit 2024 in Seoul, around 60 countries, including the United States and Ukraine, came together to endorse a “blueprint for action” aimed at guiding the responsible use of AI in military contexts.
This blueprint is a crucial step towards managing the risks of AI in warfare while ensuring ethical implementation. However, not all nations are on board—most notably, China, which chose not to endorse the framework.

Key Features of the Military AI Blueprint
The blueprint outlines several key actions to address the potential dangers of AI in military operations. These include:
- Risk Assessments: Identifying possible risks that AI may bring to military settings.
- Human Control: Ensuring humans retain control over critical AI decisions, particularly in life-or-death situations.
- Non-Proliferation: Establishing safeguards to prevent AI from being used to create weapons of mass destruction.

These measures aim to build trust in AI’s role in military operations while preventing misuse.
China’s Position and Global Disagreements
Despite attending the REAIM Summit 2024, China did not endorse the AI blueprint, highlighting ongoing global disagreements. China’s absence underscores the complexity of building a global consensus on AI use in military operations. While many nations are ready to regulate AI in the military, others, like China, are cautious about committing to strict frameworks.

Looking Forward: Continued International Discussions
Although the REAIM Summit’s blueprint is a significant step, achieving global agreement on AI’s military use remains a challenge. Experts argue that open conversations and continuous engagement between countries are necessary to create more inclusive and universally accepted guidelines.
The Seoul summit is just the beginning of a long journey to responsible AI use in military operations. The blueprint helps set the stage for international collaboration, but much more needs to be done to address the complexities AI introduces into warfare.
Highlights from the REAIM Summit 2024
The REAIM Summit 2024 in Seoul provided a global platform to address the ethical and security concerns of using AI in military settings. With representatives from around 60 countries, the summit’s main outcome was the endorsement of the “blueprint for action,” which seeks to regulate AI use in military operations responsibly.
Key Elements of the AI Blueprint |
Comprehensive risk assessments for AI military applications |
Ensuring meaningful human control over AI systems |
Preventing the misuse of AI in weapons of mass destruction |
Promoting ethical standards and transparency in AI use |
Commitment to ongoing international dialogue on AI governance |
China’s Absence: A Standout Issue
Despite participating in the summit, China’s decision not to endorse the AI blueprint reflects broader global disagreements. While nations like the United States, Ukraine, and the Netherlands committed to ethical AI use in the military, China remained hesitant, showing the difficulties in reaching global consensus.
Participants and Their Stances
Country/Organization | Role |
United States | Endorsing Nation |
Ukraine | Endorsing Nation |
China | Observer (Did Not Endorse) |
Netherlands | Endorsing Nation |
UN Institute for Disarmament Research | Observer |
The Challenges of AI in Warfare
Ethical Dilemmas and Human Oversight
AI in military operations comes with several ethical dilemmas. One of the biggest concerns is the potential for AI to make autonomous decisions in life-or-death situations. To prevent this, the blueprint emphasizes the need for human oversight in all AI applications within the military.
Balancing Innovation with Responsibility
AI has the potential to transform military operations by enhancing decision-making, improving intelligence gathering, and streamlining operations. However, the excitement around AI’s benefits must be tempered with a sense of responsibility. The blueprint aims to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring that AI is used ethically and safely.
The Future of AI in the Military
AI will undoubtedly reshape the future of warfare. From autonomous drones to advanced intelligence systems, AI offers tools that can significantly boost military capabilities. However, these advancements come with their own set of risks, including the potential for misuse and unintended consequences.
Opportunities and Challenges
While AI can bring efficiency and strategic advantages to military operations, it also presents new challenges. Ensuring that AI is used responsibly, without violating ethical guidelines, will require continued international cooperation.
Global Cooperation: The Path Forward
The REAIM Summit 2024 was an essential step toward fostering international collaboration on AI in military operations. However, as the absence of China’s endorsement shows, much work remains to be done. Continued dialogue and mutual cooperation will be key to ensuring that AI is used safely, ethically, and responsibly in the future of warfare.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Ethical AI in Warfare
The REAIM Summit 2024 marked a significant moment in the global effort to regulate AI in military operations. The blueprint for action, endorsed by 60 countries, represents a commitment to responsible and ethical AI use in warfare. However, China’s decision not to endorse the blueprint reveals that there are still hurdles to overcome.
In the coming years, international dialogue, collaboration, and ethical considerations will play an even more crucial role as AI becomes an integral part of military strategy.