US warns Serbia over closer ties with China in artificial intelligence

The US State Department has warned that Serbia’s future economic prospects will be determined by the political choices and partnerships that Belgrade decides to build today. The statement was given to Radio Free Europe in response to questions about Serbia’s increasingly close ties with China in the artificial intelligence sector.

In its response, the State Department said that the United States encourages Serbia to make full use of its potential while also protecting its national security by selecting reliable sources and suppliers for artificial intelligence equipment and technology, as well as secure partners such as the US.

The State Department also emphasized that the US leads in artificial intelligence technology and embodies the highest standard for technology developed responsibly, based on transparency and without ideological bias or manipulation imposed by authorities.

Meanwhile, the European Commission has recalled that aligning Serbia’s legislation with the bloc’s rules on AI constitutes part of the European integration process.

Serbia has held candidate-country status since 2012 and has committed to harmonizing its legislation with these rules. However, in recent months, its cooperation with China in this field has expanded significantly.

A memorandum of cooperation on artificial intelligence was signed in Beijing in May. Later, in July, Serbia joined, as one of the founding states, the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, WAICO, established in Shanghai.

These agreements are part of Belgrade’s efforts to strengthen its AI capabilities.