US and China Skip AI Governance Declaration at Military Summit
As global concerns over the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in military contexts continue to rise, a significant summit held in A Coruna, Spain, on February 5, 2026, revealed a divided stance among participating nations. While approximately a third of the 85 countries in attendance agreed to a declaration aimed at governing AI technology in warfare, major military powers China and the United States opted out.
Concerns Over AI in Warfare
The reluctance of some countries to sign joint agreements stemmed from rising tensions between the United States and its European allies, alongside uncertainties regarding future transatlantic relations. Delegates expressed apprehension about the rapid advancement of AI technologies potentially outpacing existing governance frameworks, thereby increasing the risk of accidents, miscalculations, or unintended escalations in military conflicts.
Signatories and Their Commitments
The declaration underscores the growing concern among governments regarding the implications of fast-evolving AI technologies in military settings. According to Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, nations face a “prisoner’s dilemma”, balancing responsible regulations against the need to remain competitive with adversaries. He stated, “Russia and China are moving very fast. That creates urgency to make progress in developing AI. But seeing it going fast also increases the urgency to keep working on its responsible use. The two go hand-in-hand.”
Out of the 85 nations attending the summit, only 35 signed a commitment to adhere to 20 principles concerning AI governance. These principles include:
- Affirming human responsibility over AI-powered weapons
- Encouraging clear chains of command and control
- Sharing information on national oversight arrangements where consistent with national security
The declaration also emphasizes the importance of conducting risk assessments, ensuring robust testing, and providing training and education for personnel operating military AI capabilities.
Previous Summits and Context
In contrast to this year’s summit, two prior gatherings in The Hague and Seoul in 2023 and 2024, respectively, saw around 60 nations, excluding China but including the United States, endorsing a modest “blueprint for action” without legal commitments. Although this year’s document was also non-binding, many delegates felt uneasy about endorsing more defined policies.
Major Signatories
Significant signatories of the declaration included Canada, Germany, France, Britain, The Netherlands, South Korea, and Ukraine. Their commitment reflects a collective recognition of the need for responsible governance as AI technology plays an increasingly pivotal role in military operations.
The developments from this summit highlight the complexities and urgent challenges facing global leaders in the realm of military AI governance.
