Jakarta, INTI – Amid an increasingly competitive technological landscape, China is calling for a global consensus on artificial intelligence (AI) governance. The call was made by Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) on Saturday, July, 26 in Shanghai.
A Call for Collaboration Amid AI Rivalry
Li Qiang underscored the importance of maintaining a balance between innovation and security in AI development. He stated that the rapid advancement of technology brings serious risks that must be addressed collectively by the global community.
“The risks and challenges posed by artificial intelligence have drawn widespread attention. Finding a balance between development and security urgently requires broader consensus from all sectors of society,” he said in his opening remarks, as quoted by AFP.
This statement came just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled an aggressive strategy to maintain America’s dominance in the AI sector. Trump pledged to ease regulations and cut bureaucratic hurdles to support private sector development of the technology.
Proposal for a New International AI Cooperation Body
In the same forum, Li Qiang announced plans to establish a new international cooperation body led by China. This institution would promote openness, collaboration, and shared innovation in the development of AI.
“AI development should be driven by the principles of openness, cooperation, and joint innovation,” Li stated.
This move reflects China’s ambition to lead global AI regulation and present itself as an alternative to U.S. dominance. The Chinese government also expressed its readiness to share its experiences and research outputs with developing nations, particularly those in the "Global South."
Ethical Concerns and Regulatory Fragmentation
As AI continues to expand across multiple sectors from transportation and education to healthcare and national security it also raises complex ethical issues. These include the spread of misinformation, threats to employment, and the growing fear of losing human control over machines.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a video message aired at the WAIC, described AI governance as “a litmus test for international cooperation” in the modern era. Despite repeated warnings about the urgency of regulation, no binding international agreement has been reached thus far.
“Overall, global AI governance remains fragmented. Countries differ significantly, especially in terms of regulatory frameworks and institutional rules,” Li Qiang explained.
China and the U.S.: Different Paths, Same Goal
China continues to pour substantial investment into AI, including facial recognition, natural language processing, and automated decision-making systems. Meanwhile, the United States is accelerating its AI dominance through public-private partnerships and expanded AI exports to allied nations.
Both countries are vying for leadership in this transformative technology. However, China’s emphasis on global collaboration positions it strategically to gain broader influence, especially among developing countries.
Toward Inclusive AI Governance
Amid the rising complexity and potential of AI, China’s push for a global governance framework highlights the urgent need for a unified vision and coordinated approach. Without strong international collaboration, the risks of AI may outpace humanity’s ability to manage them.
Through this initiative, China aims to take the lead in shaping a more open, fair, and inclusive global AI policy ensuring that the technology advances not only rapidly but also responsibly.
Conclusion:
At the 2025 World AI Conference, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the urgent need for a global consensus on artificial intelligence governance. Amid intensifying competition with the United States, China advocates a collaborative path by promoting openness, international cooperation, and the sharing of innovations particularly with developing countries. This call underscores the pressing necessity for inclusive and coordinated regulations, given AI's far-reaching impact on ethics, security, and global balance. Through this initiative, China aims not only to lead in technological advancement but also to shape a more equitable and responsible global AI policy in the digital transformation era.
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