China has proposed the creation of a global artificial intelligence cooperation organization, calling for a unified international effort to manage the rapid rise of AI and its associated risks.
Premier Li Qiang announced the plan during the opening session of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, a three-day tech gathering that draws policymakers, researchers, and corporate leaders from around the world.
Speaking on Saturday, Li described artificial intelligence as a “new engine for growth,” while warning that its development must be balanced with the urgent need for global security safeguards. He said the current governance landscape is fragmented and lacks the coordination required to manage the far-reaching implications of AI.
Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 19 (Feb 9 – May 2, 2026): big discounts for early bird.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and co-invest in great global startups.
Register for Tekedia AI Lab: From Technical Design to Deployment (next edition begins Jan 24 2026).
“The risks and challenges brought by artificial intelligence have drawn widespread attention,” Li said. “How to find a balance between development and security urgently requires further consensus from the entire society.”
China’s proposal comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at aggressively deregulating the AI sector. The administration’s move is part of a broader push to solidify U.S. dominance in the field and promote so-called “patriotic AI.” The White House also warned against what it termed “woke” artificial intelligence, signaling a rejection of ethical safeguards that might slow innovation.
In contrast, China’s vision—anchored in multilateralism—emphasizes open-source development, safety, and international inclusivity. Li Qiang stressed that China is willing to share its AI advancements with other countries, particularly developing nations in the Global South, and called for the creation of an AI governance platform based in Shanghai. The platform, under China’s 13-point action plan, would serve as a hub for global dialogue, safety standards, open-source tools, and coordinated policy.
While Li did not directly name the U.S., his speech alluded to the risks of technological monopoly, cautioning that AI should not become an “exclusive game” controlled by a few powerful nations and corporations. He also pointed to challenges such as the restricted supply of AI chips and limitations on international talent exchange—an apparent reference to U.S. export curbs on advanced AI semiconductors and chipmaking equipment.
The proposal envisions collaboration under the framework of the United Nations, including new international mechanisms for dialogue and consensus-building. It also seeks to build data infrastructure and cloud systems that can support large-scale AI systems, especially in under-resourced regions. The plan underscores Beijing’s ambition to play a leading role in shaping the rules of global AI development while challenging the Western-led regulatory model.
The World AI Conference itself reflects the shifting dynamics of tech leadership. With over 800 companies in attendance, the event showcased more than 3,000 AI innovations, including 40 large language models, 50 advanced AI devices, and 60 humanoid robots. Leading Chinese firms such as Huawei, Alibaba, and robotics startup Unitree dominated the exhibition floors, although U.S. giants including Tesla, Alphabet, and Amazon were also present.
Notably absent this year was Elon Musk, who had previously participated in WAIC openings. Other prominent speakers included Geoffrey Hinton, known as the “godfather of AI,” former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and Anne Bouverot, France’s special envoy for artificial intelligence.
The conference also took place amid growing concern about AI’s disruptive impact on information access, employment, and control. Earlier in the week, media companies raised alarm over studies suggesting AI-generated summaries in search engines could slash audience traffic by up to 80%, threatening the viability of journalism and other content-driven sectors.
As China pushes for collective governance and the U.S. races ahead with deregulation, the divide between the world’s top two tech powers is becoming increasingly stark. While the Trump administration is betting on speed, competition, and reduced oversight, China is positioning itself as a stabilizing force willing to offer what it calls “Chinese wisdom” to build a more inclusive and cooperative AI future.