China unveiled a comprehensive plan on July 26, 2025 to expand its role in artificial intelligence governance, including the creation of a global cooperation organisation, as Beijing and Washington compete for technological leadership. Chinese Premier Li Qiang warned at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai that AI innovation was hindered by bottlenecks such as the supply of computer chips, and that technological monopolies and restrictions could lead to AI becoming an exclusive game for a few countries and companies. The Premier emphasised that overall global AI governance is still fragmented with countries showing significant differences particularly in terms of areas such as regulatory concepts and institutional rules.
Beijing has recently promoted China's open innovation and willingness to share indigenous technologies, while the Chinese government has embraced AI in its National Strategic Plan since 2016, issuing numerous policies supporting its development. The Foreign Ministry published a 13-point plan for the global governance of AI that proposed the creation of two new AI dialogue mechanisms under the auspices of the UN and a safety governance framework. China's plan includes a push for greater cooperation on open-source technology through new transnational platforms and developer communities, and sharing of crucial software and hardware such as semiconductors, while China has established an $8.2 billion AI fund for startups.
China's call to establish a new organisation to enhance governance in the field of artificial intelligence comes despite restrictions imposed by the United States on the export of advanced technology to China, including the latest AI chips and chipmaking equipment. President Donald Trump's administration released an AI blueprint on July 24, 2025, aiming to vastly expand U.S. AI exports to allies in a bid to maintain the American edge over China in this critical technology. The Chinese government places particular emphasis on using AI to raise the level of industry and improve productivity and economic growth, with a focus on developing AI applications in various sectors, such as smart cities, medicine, and scientific research.
Sources:
Dr.Nadia Helmy
