China proposes global AI cooperation framework amid rising tensions with the US

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has proposed the creation of a global organization to coordinate artificial intelligence (AI) development and governance, in a direct response to what Beijing sees as growing US dominance in the sector.

Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on Saturday, Li warned of fragmented global governance and urged nations to build a “globally recognised framework” for AI standards, development, and security.

“The risks and challenges brought by artificial intelligence have drawn widespread attention… How to find a balance between development and security urgently requires further consensus from the entire society,” said Li during the opening address.

A counterpoint to US deregulation

Li’s remarks come days after US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping deregulation plan for the AI industry. The initiative, framed as a push to maintain America’s technological edge, includes executive orders targeting so-called "woke AI models" and reducing federal oversight of AI companies.

While Li did not mention the United States by name, his warning that AI could become an “exclusive game for a few countries and companies” was widely seen as a veiled reference to Washington’s recent moves.

Beijing’s proposal aims to position China as a champion of international cooperation – especially for developing nations – and a promoter of open-source AI development.

“China is willing to share its advances with other countries, particularly those in the Global South,” Li added.

Tech tensions on display

The WAIC summit, now in its eighth year, convenes global tech leaders and policymakers. This year’s event comes amid intensifying tech competition between the US and China, with AI now at the center of the geopolitical fault line.

The US has imposed export controls on advanced semiconductors and chipmaking equipment, including restrictions on high-performance GPUs produced by firms like Nvidia, citing national security concerns about AI’s military applications.

China, meanwhile, is racing to reduce its reliance on Western tech by investing heavily in domestic chip manufacturing, AI research, and open-source models. Yet the country still faces critical supply chain constraints, and Li acknowledged the shortage of high-end chips and restricted talent exchange as key hurdles.

A bid for AI multilateralism?

Li’s call for a global AI governance body echoes previous Chinese proposals for international tech norms, including internet governance and digital infrastructure. While such calls have found support among some non-Western nations, they are often viewed with suspicion by Western democracies wary of China’s record on censorship, surveillance, and digital rights.

Still, with AI development outpacing regulation worldwide, Li’s remarks highlight a growing consensus on the need for international guardrails.

The Chinese government has also promoted ethical guidelines for AI domestically, though critics argue that these are often aimed at preserving state control rather than protecting users.