China pushes for global AI governance body, offers to share technology

China is proposing a new international organization to oversee the use and sharing of artificial intelligence worldwide, aiming to rival the United States in the fast-moving tech arena.

At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on Saturday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for the creation of a global AI governance body. He said the new group would help countries work together, open access to AI technologies, and manage the risks that come with them. Li also stressed the need for fair participation, saying, “We advocate for open sharing of AI technologies, where every country and enterprise has equal rights to participate. China is open to sharing its experience, products, and platforms with others, particularly developing nations.”

While Li didn’t mention the United States directly, he criticized efforts by “a few countries and companies” to control AI. This comes just days after the U.S. rolled out a plan to boost AI exports to its allies, strengthening its own advantage while restricting China’s access to advanced AI chips and tech over security concerns.

Despite these U.S. curbs, China has kept up steady progress in AI, even as American regulators keep a close eye on its activities. At the conference, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said China is considering making Shanghai the headquarters for the new global AI group. Representatives from more than 30 countries, including South Africa, Russia, Qatar, South Korea, and Germany, joined the talks.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also rolled out a fresh “Action Plan for Global AI Governance.” The plan asks governments, companies, and research groups to join hands, encourage open-source cooperation, and make international data sharing easier.

Premier Li pointed out there are still challenges, like shortages of computer chips and skilled workers. He urged countries to close the gap in rules and work towards a shared system for responsible AI development.

The three-day Shanghai summit conveyed China’s ambitions not just to catch up with the U.S., but to shape how AI is rolled out and governed worldwide.