China Proposes Global AI Cooperation Body Amid U.S. Tech Rivalry

China announced plans to establish an international organization to foster global cooperation on artificial intelligence, positioning itself as a counterweight to U.S. influence in the rapidly advancing technology. Premier Li Qiang unveiled the proposal during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, emphasizing the need for shared AI development and equitable access, particularly for the Global South.

Li warned against AI becoming the “exclusive game” of a few nations and highlighted challenges such as fragmented regulations, limited AI chip supply, and restrictions on talent exchange. He called for a unified global governance framework to address the risks and opportunities presented by AI’s rapid evolution.

The proposal comes as U.S.-China tech competition intensifies. Earlier this week, the Trump administration released a blueprint aimed at boosting U.S. AI exports to allies to maintain its technological edge. Washington has imposed export controls on advanced chips and equipment, citing security concerns, but China has continued to advance AI capabilities, drawing close scrutiny from U.S. officials.

China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu revealed the planned AI organization could be headquartered in Shanghai and invited over 30 countries, including Russia, South Africa, and Germany, to join pragmatic cooperation efforts. An action plan for global AI governance has also been published, encouraging international participation through open-source initiatives.

The three-day WAIC attracted over 800 companies showcasing 3,000 AI products, including 40 large language models and 60 intelligent robots. Major Chinese firms like Huawei and Alibaba led the exhibitions, alongside international participants such as Tesla, Alphabet, and Amazon.

High-profile speakers included AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, though Tesla’s Elon Musk, a regular at previous events, did not attend this year.