The resolution, approved on Monday, follows the adoption on March 21 of the first UN resolution on artificial intelligence (AI), led by the United States and co-sponsored by 123 countries, including China.
The resolution gave global support to the international effort to ensure that AI is "safe, secure and trustworthy" and that all nations can take advantage of it.
The adoption of the two non-binding resolutions shows that the United States and China, rivals in many areas, are determined to be key players in shaping the future of this powerful new technology - and have been cooperating on important first international steps.
The adoption of both resolutions by consensus by the 193-member General Assembly demonstrates widespread global support for its leadership on this issue.
Fu Cong, China's ambassador to the UN, told journalists on Monday that the two resolutions are complementary, with the US measure being "more general" and the one just adopted focusing on "building capabilities ".
The diplomat stated that the Chinese resolution, with more than 140 sponsors, was "large and far-reaching" and stressed: "We are very grateful for the positive role that the US has played in this entire process."
Nate Evans, spokesman for the U.S. mission to the United Nations, said today that the China-sponsored resolution "was negotiated to advance the vision and approach the U.S. established in March."
"We work diligently and in good faith with developing and developed countries to strengthen the text, ensuring that it reaffirms safe, secure and trustworthy AI that respects human rights, commits to digital inclusion and promotes sustainable development," he said Evans.
Fu said that AI technology is advancing very quickly and that the issue has been discussed at very high levels, including by leaders in the US and China.
"We look forward to intensifying our cooperation with the United States and all countries around the world on this issue, which (...) will have far-reaching implications in all dimensions," he said.
The Chinese ambassador, however, strongly criticized the US Treasury Department's proposed rule, announced on June 21, that would restrict and monitor US investments in China in artificial intelligence, computer chips and quantum computing.
"We firmly oppose these sanctions," Fu said, calling on Washington to lift these restrictions.
The US and Chinese resolutions focus on civilian applications of AI, but the Chinese ambassador told journalists that the military dimension is also very important.
"We believe it is necessary for the international community to take action to reduce the dangers and risks posed by the development of AI," he said.
China is actively participating in negotiations in Geneva on the control of lethal autonomous weapons, said Fu, adding that some countries are willing to propose a resolution at the UN General Assembly later this year on the military dimension of AI.
"And we are in broad support of this initiative", he assured.
The US and Chinese resolutions warned of the dangers of AI, while also pointing out its potential benefits in promoting economic development and people's lives.
