China pitches global AI governance group as the US goes it alone

In a bold move, China has proposed a comprehensive framework for global governance of artificial intelligence, just as the United States introduced its own strategy aimed at maintaining its leadership in this vital sector. Chinese Premier Li Qiang presented this vision during the World AI Conference (WAIC) held in Shanghai, where tech leaders from over 40 nations gathered to discuss the future of AI. Addressing the audience, Li emphasized that the current landscape of AI governance is fragmented and highlighted the significant differences between countries in regulatory approaches. “We should strengthen coordination to establish a global AI governance framework that can achieve broad consensus promptly,” he asserted. This statement coincides with a recent 28-page AI action plan from the US, which seeks to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and reinforce American dominance in AI technology. While Li did not mention the US explicitly, his comments hinted at the ongoing trade tensions, particularly the American restrictions on semiconductor exports that are crucial for AI development. He cautioned that technological monopolies and restrictive practices could lead to a situation where a few nations control the AI landscape. “If we engage in technological monopoly, AI will become an exclusive game for a small number of countries,” Li warned. The strategic rivalry between the US and China continues, with AI chips becoming essential leverage in trade discussions. Recent negotiations saw the US easing its ban on sales of an important Nvidia AI chip to China, while China halted its antitrust probe into DuPont, an American chemical firm. Meanwhile, discussions around a potential trade deal are ongoing, with President Trump stating that the US is “very close to a deal with China.” China’s ambitions in AI are evident, as the nation boasts over 5,000 AI companies and a core industry valued at approximately 600 billion yuan (around $84 billion) by 2025. This growth is fueled by substantial investments, with state venture capital firms reportedly injecting around $209 billion into AI ventures from 2013 to 2023. This year alone, public sector spending on AI is projected to exceed 400 billion yuan ($56 billion). Despite the US’s leading investment of $109.1 billion in AI in 2024, China’s commitment is clear, as demonstrated by its record number of generative AI patents. Chinese startups like DeepSeek and Moonshot have recently showcased their capabilities, producing competitive AI models at significantly lower costs than their US counterparts, sparking interest in global markets. The rapid advancement of China’s AI sector is expected to yield substantial returns, with predictions of a 52% return on investment by 2030. ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn called for strong governance in AI, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to mitigate risks like misinformation and cybersecurity threats. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt echoed this sentiment, urging the US and China to collaborate on AI governance to ensure global stability. As WAIC continues to serve as a pivotal platform for showcasing technology, this year’s event featured over 800 companies and 3,000 exhibits, highlighting innovations from both Chinese and American firms, including AI models, robotics, and smart devices. The event underscores China’s aspiration to lead in AI governance and its ongoing technological rivalry with the United States.