China published its Global AI Governance Action Plan on 26 July, just days after the United States released its AI blueprint on 23 July. Premier Li Qiang announced the establishment of a new global AI cooperation organisation at Shanghai's World Artificial Intelligence Conference, where over 800 companies showcased more than 3,000 high-tech products, 40 large language models, and 60 intelligent robots. The 13-point Chinese action plan aims to promote open sharing of AI technology and ensure equal access for all countries, with particular focus on the Global South.
The Chinese initiative appears to be a response to Washington's efforts, which have imposed export restrictions on advanced technology including the most high-end AI chips from companies such as Nvidia. Li Qiang warned that AI risked becoming the "exclusive game" of a few countries and companies. Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu conducted a roundtable with representatives from over 30 countries, including Russia, South Africa, Qatar, South Korea, and Germany, where he announced China was considering establishing the organisation's headquarters in Shanghai.
The parallel release of AI strategies signals an intensifying technological competition between the world's two largest economies. While Trump's administration aims to vastly expand U.S. AI exports to allies to maintain American advantage, China's 13-point action plan advocates for international cooperation, cross-border open-source communities, and addressing the fragmented state of AI governance. The action plan specifies concrete areas including energy-efficient AI development, data protection, eliminating algorithmic bias, and implementing the UN Global Digital Compact.
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Reuters · July 26, 2025
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Evelyn Cheng
