China has put forward a proposal for a new global body dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation, aiming to establish international norms and standards for the rapidly evolving technology. The announcement, made by Premier Li Qiang at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, signals Beijing's ambition to play a leading role in shaping global AI governance and challenges the current tech leadership of the United States.
China's Bid for Global AI Leadership
Premier Li Qiang's proposal at the WAIC 2025, themed "Governing Intelligence, Sharing Future," calls for greater international dialogue and the development of a regulatory framework for AI. The initiative seeks to create an open, inclusive, and multilateral organisation, tentatively planned to be headquartered in Shanghai. This move is seen as a strategic effort by China to influence the global AI agenda and counter Western-led initiatives that have often excluded Chinese participation.
Key Takeaways:
Proposal for a global AI cooperation organisation.
Emphasis on people-centric AI development and benefits for all humanity.
Call for balancing innovation with security and promoting cooperation over confrontation.
Ambition to establish China as a key player in AI development and governance.
Addressing Global AI Challenges
Li highlighted the growing concerns surrounding AI, including data privacy, misinformation, and bias, stressing the urgent need for global norms and standards. He advocated for a collaborative approach, suggesting that AI cannot be effectively managed by individual nations acting alone. The proposed organisation aims to foster cooperation in research, safety standards, ethics, and AI applications, while also addressing the digital and intelligence divide, particularly for the Global South.
International Response and Future Implications
While some industry leaders, including those from Chinese tech giants like Huawei and Tencent, have welcomed the idea of enhanced international cooperation, trust levels between China and Western nations remain low, particularly concerning technology and cybersecurity. Many governments are wary of Chinese-led initiatives due to surveillance and control concerns. However, the proposal underscores a growing global consensus on the necessity of coordinated AI governance. China's proactive stance, including its own national AI regulations, positions it as a significant contender in defining the future of artificial intelligence on the world stage.
China's Vision for AI Governance
China's proposal aligns with its broader vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, advocating for an AI governance model with Chinese characteristics. This includes values such as development, innovation, people-centricity, harmony, fairness, and safety. The initiative also aims to support the implementation of UN resolutions on AI capacity building and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive and equitable AI advancement.
