Premier Li Qiang's Call for Collaboration
At the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Chinese Premier Li Qiang proposed establishing a global organisation dedicated to
artificial intelligence cooperation. Li described AI as a “new engine for growth,” but stressed that the current global governance of this transformative technology remains fragmented[1][2][3].
A Response to Growing Competition and Fragmentation
Li’s proposal arrives amid rising competition between China and the United States for dominance in AI. The United States has imposed export restrictions on high-end
AI chips and technology to China, citing national security concerns. Despite such constraints, China has continued to advance its AI capabilities and is keen to offer an alternative vision for global AI governance[2][4].
Key Objectives of the Proposed Organisation
- Coordinating international efforts to regulate AI technologies and ensure their risks and benefits are globally managed[3].
- Promoting open sharing of AI advancements, particularly offering support and products to developing nations in the Global South[1].
- Fostering research collaboration, safety standards, and ethical norms related to AI, in an open, inclusive, and multilateral setting[3].
- Challenging the concentration of AI development in a few major economies and large companies, warning that this could turn AI into an "exclusive game"[1][5].
Addressing Key Challenges
Premier Li identified several bottlenecks impeding global AI progress:
- Insufficient supply of advanced AI chips due to trade restrictions[2][3].
- Limits on talent exchange between countries.
- Significant differences in regulatory approaches and institutional rules across major economies[1].
Li emphasized the need for a framework that balances
innovation with security, urging all countries to participate on equal footing.
Contrasting Western-Led Initiatives
Li’s proposal indirectly criticizes existing Western frameworks, such as those put forward by the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union, which have primarily focused on AI safety and governance but often excluded Chinese participation. The Chinese plan advocates for mutual respect, inclusiveness, and a more open exchange of knowledge and technology[3].
Next Steps and Global Outlook
While specific details regarding the structure and governance of the new AI cooperation organisation remain undeclared, the Chinese government has signaled clear intent to play a central role in shaping the future of international AI standards and policies. The proposal is likely to further intensify the ongoing debate on how best to manage the opportunities and risks posed by rapidly advancing AI technologies[4].
The international response to China’s initiative will influence whether a truly global AI governance architecture can emerge and how equitable, secure, and cooperative the future of artificial intelligence will be.
