Gyeongju: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the creation of a new global body to oversee the development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI), positioning China as a leader in shaping international AI rules. Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, Xi proposed establishing a “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization” to promote AI as a public good for all nations.
The proposed organization, which could be based in Shanghai, aims to create shared international standards and ensure that the benefits of AI reach developing and developed countries alike. Xi said the initiative would focus on fairness, cooperation, and responsible innovation. He added that AI should “benefit people in all countries and regions,” emphasizing China’s belief that global challenges in technology require collective responses.
Xi’s proposal comes at a time of growing competition between China and the United States over emerging technologies. While the United States has focused on market-driven and bilateral approaches to AI, China’s plan calls for a multilateral framework under a global institution. Analysts view this as part of Beijing’s strategy to expand its role as a rule-maker in technology governance, challenging the current dominance of Western-led standards.
Several APEC members expressed interest in the proposal, with India reportedly considering “cautious support.” Indian officials have indicated that while they agree on the need for international coordination in AI, they remain watchful of China’s growing influence in the technology space.
Earlier this year, China had outlined a 13-point plan for global AI governance during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. The new proposal at APEC builds on that framework and seeks to formalize cooperation through an international institution.
Observers note that Xi’s call also aligns with China’s wider diplomatic goals. With President Donald Trump skipping the full APEC meeting, Beijing used the opportunity to project leadership on issues such as technology, trade, and sustainability. A one-year trade deal between China and the US was also reached on the sidelines of the summit, easing some restrictions on technology exports.
The idea of a global AI body has attracted attention from several developing countries that want more inclusive participation in setting technology standards. However, concerns remain about transparency, data governance, and whether a China-led organization would offer equal representation to all members.
Xi’s remarks underline Beijing’s ambition to lead not only in AI development but also in the ethical and policy frameworks that guide its use. The coming months are expected to reveal whether other nations are ready to support China’s vision or seek alternative arrangements for global AI cooperation.
If the proposal moves forward, it could mark a major step in the global competition to define how artificial intelligence is developed, shared, and regulated in the years ahead.