Shanghai: In a decisive step toward global governance of artificial intelligence, Chinese Premier Li Qiang has proposed the creation of a Global Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Li called on the international community to move beyond fragmented regulatory approaches and instead work towards a comprehensive, consensus-driven global framework for AI development and oversight.
Premier Li emphasized that artificial intelligence has become a pivotal force in driving the next wave of economic transformation, but its rapid evolution poses governance challenges that no single country can handle alone. "AI governance is a shared responsibility," he declared. "We should strengthen coordination to form a global AI governance framework that has broad consensus as soon as possible."
The proposal comes at a time when the global race for AI dominance is intensifying, particularly between the United States and China. Tensions have been heightened by U.S. sanctions and export restrictions on advanced AI chips to Chinese firms. Against this backdrop, China’s call for an inclusive and cooperative mechanism serves not only as a counter-narrative to Western-led initiatives but also as a strategic pivot to position Beijing as a leader in international tech diplomacy.
Premier Li warned that the AI industry should not be monopolized by a handful of countries or tech giants. Instead, he advocated for inclusive innovation, calling for openness, mutual benefit, and active participation of developing nations in shaping the AI future. He noted that China is willing to share its AI achievements and experiences with the rest of the world particularly the Global South so that no country is left behind in the technological revolution.
This year’s WAIC features more than 800 companies and showcases over 3,000 AI products, including around 40 large language models and 60 intelligent robots. Major global tech players such as Alibaba, Huawei, Amazon, Alphabet, and Tesla are participating, although Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who addressed the event last year, did not speak this time.
China’s latest proposal builds upon the Global AI Governance Initiative it introduced in October 2023, and aligns with the AI resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in March 2024. That resolution, co-sponsored by China and over 140 other nations, emphasized international collaboration, ethical AI deployment, and capacity building in developing countries.
Analysts see Li’s proposal as a strategic move by China to shape the global AI landscape in accordance with principles of multilateralism and shared governance. If adopted, the proposed Global AI Cooperation Organization could function as a platform to facilitate dialogue, standard-setting, ethical guidelines, and dispute resolution particularly as AI applications become increasingly embedded in sectors like defense, healthcare, education, and finance.
As the world watches closely, attention now turns to whether this vision will be embraced by the international community or met with skepticism especially from countries already engaged in shaping their own AI frameworks through alliances like the G7 and the Quad.
In an era where AI is rewriting the rules of global competition and cooperation, China’s call for collective governance could either be a turning point for international unity or another flashpoint in the battle for technological supremacy.