China has proposed creating a new international organization to foster global cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), announced by Premier Li Qiang at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. This initiative reflects China’s ambition for a more inclusive and equitable global approach to AI development and governance, aiming to offer an alternative to the current U. S. -led frameworks dominating AI progress worldwide. Premier Li stressed the need for AI technologies to be accessible to all countries, especially those in the Global South, cautioning against the concentration of AI power within a few dominant nations and corporations, which could impede balanced and fair benefits from AI advancements. The proposal centers on establishing a globally coordinated governance framework that encourages collaboration among governments, industry leaders, and academia, with plans to base the organization’s headquarters in Shanghai, making it a hub for international AI cooperation and innovation. Accompanied by a detailed action plan, the initiative seeks broad participation to foster an open environment for sharing technological breakthroughs and jointly developing best practices in AI ethics and safety. This move comes amid heightened competition between China and the U. S. , both investing heavily in AI research, infrastructure, and talent, recognizing AI’s transformative impact across economic, military, and social arenas. While the U. S. has traditionally led AI innovation, China’s rising capabilities and strategic efforts signal its intent to become a dominant player in the field. The World Artificial Intelligence Conference showcased over 800 companies and featured international participants presenting more than 3, 000 AI innovations. Prominent Chinese tech firms like Huawei and Alibaba shared the spotlight with Western giants Tesla, Google, and Amazon, illustrating the AI industry's interconnectedness despite geopolitical tensions.

The conference focused on dialogue and sharing breakthroughs, covering AI ethics, data privacy, innovation, and societal impacts, underscoring a shared desire among global leaders to responsibly advance AI technology. China’s proposal aims to create a new model for AI governance emphasizing inclusivity and equitable access, bridging the divide between technological leaders and laggards to ensure AI’s benefits are widely distributed. The governance structure calls for collective decision-making and shared accountability among nations, industries, and academia, promoting unified standards on data security, transparency, and responsible AI use. This approach acknowledges the broad and complex societal implications of AI that no single country can manage alone. Although ambitious, the proposal aligns with ongoing global discussions on ethical and cooperative AI frameworks, complementing or providing an alternative to existing efforts depending on international reception. In the coming months, diplomatic and industry dialogues are expected to evaluate the proposal’s feasibility and potential impacts. If realized, Shanghai would become a central venue for global AI policy, research, and innovation, marking a major shift in AI governance amidst the global race for technological leadership. In summary, China’s call for an international AI cooperation organization represents a strategic bid to shape AI’s future path, integrating technological and geopolitical considerations. It advocates inclusivity, shared governance, and equitable access to AI’s transformative potential, highlighting the urgency of new global partnerships and frameworks to guide AI’s rapid evolution that promises to reshape societies and economies worldwide.