China Proposes Global Body for AI Governance at APEC Leaders’ Meeting
At a recent meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders in Gyeongju, South Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping positioned China as a leading advocate for a new global framework to govern artificial intelligence (AI). This proposal, aimed at establishing a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, marks a significant moment as it seeks to offer an alternative to U.S. domination in both AI development and trade cooperation.
The Proposal for a Global AI Governance Body
Xi emphasized the importance of AI in fostering future development and stated that it should be a “public good for the international community.” The proposed organization would set governance rules and facilitate international collaboration, ensuring that AI technologies benefit people across various nations.
- Key Objectives of the AI Governance Body:
- Establishing international standards for AI development.
- Encouraging collaboration among countries to maximize AI’s benefits.
- Promoting transparency and ethical considerations in AI use.
- Potential Base: Chinese officials have indicated that the organization could be headquartered in Shanghai, a significant commercial hub.
U.S. Reaction and Ongoing Trade Dynamics
Xi’s remarks come at a time when relations between the U.S. and China are marked by tension, particularly surrounding trade and technology. U.S. President Donald Trump did not attend the APEC summit, flying back to Washington shortly after a meeting with Xi that reached a preliminary agreement to ease some trade restrictions.
The absence of the U.S. leader allowed Xi to capitalize on the opportunity to promote China’s vision of multilateralism, which contrasts sharply with the U.S. approach, particularly given Washington’s reluctance to embrace international regulation of AI technologies.
China’s Push for Algorithmic Sovereignty
Amid discussions of AI governance, another central theme has emerged regarding China’s ambition for “algorithmic sovereignty.” This refers to China’s efforts to develop its own AI technologies and capabilities independently of foreign influence, particularly from U.S. companies like Nvidia. While Nvidia is pivotal in creating advanced AI chips, China-based developer DeepSeek is introducing lower-cost alternatives that align with this sovereignty goal.
Green Technologies and Economic Cooperation
In addition to AI, Xi urged APEC members to enhance the “free circulation” of green technologies, reinforcing China’s dominance in industries such as solar energy and electric vehicle components. This focus on sustainable technology aligns with global efforts to address climate change.
- Green Technology Initiatives:
- Development and distribution of renewable energy sources.
- Collaboration on innovative environmental solutions.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 APEC Summit
As the APEC summit concluded with a joint declaration addressing AI and demographic challenges in aging populations, China is set to host the next meeting in Shenzhen in 2026. Once a humble fishing village, Shenzhen has transformed into a manufacturing powerhouse, serving as a symbol of China’s rapid economic growth since the establishment of special economic zones in the 1980s.
APEC, consisting of 21 member nations that represent half of global trade, continues to be a crucial platform for discussing economic cooperation and technological advancements among its members.