China unveils global AI cooperation plan to lead future governance
At the 2025 World AI Conference in Shanghai, Premier Li Qiang proposed creating a World AI Cooperation Organization to lead international efforts in AI governance. Framed as a call for inclusive development, the plan reinforces China’s ambition to shape the rules of emerging technologies. The move underscores Beijing’s strategy to pair its AI innovation with global leadership in tech policy.
From fragmented rules to shared AI values
Held from July 25–27, this year’s World AI Conference featured over 800 companies, including Huawei, Tencent, and Alibaba. Premier Li’s keynote emphasized the urgent need for unified international standards in artificial intelligence. He warned against fragmented or monopolistic systems and called for inclusive frameworks that welcome all nations, regardless of development status.
This proposal builds on earlier Chinese efforts to influence digital policy, such as the principles released during the Digital Silk Road Forum. Now, by offering Shanghai as the headquarters of a global AI body, China is taking a bold step to institutionalize its role in shaping technology governance.
China aligns tech progress with policy influence
China’s strength in AI hardware, platforms, and data infrastructure now converges with its policymaking ambition. At WAIC 2025, more than 3,000 products were on display—including 60 intelligent robots and 40 new large language models (LLMs).
Firms like Baidu and SenseTime showcased advanced multimodal models. Alibaba introduced its upgraded Qwen open-source model, featuring multilingual support and enterprise-grade applications.
But this event was not just about products. It was a strategic signal. China’s AI ecosystem is increasingly linked with its diplomatic goals. The proposed AI organization would offer ethical guidance, safety protocols, and deployment blueprints—particularly for nations with limited regulatory infrastructure.
This approach reveals a dual strategy: maintain innovation leadership while creating the policy frameworks that guide its use. China’s ability to scale both sides of this equation gives it a unique edge in global influence.
Tech diplomacy enters a new phase
Premier Li’s address marked a notable shift in China’s tech diplomacy. Rather than promoting national dominance, China invited others to co-create an international order. Countries like Indonesia, the UAE, and Kenya, already partners in the Digital Silk Road, are likely to support this initiative.
At the same time, the plan presents a counterbalance to Western-centric efforts like the OECD AI Principles or the G7 AI Code of Conduct. These frameworks are often criticized for excluding voices from the Global South. By proposing a Shanghai-based multilateral body, China offers developing countries a more inclusive venue to shape AI norms.
This pivot could attract startups, researchers, and governments that seek representation in global AI standards. If successful, China’s model may offer an alternative that blends economic growth, digital sovereignty, and ethical design.
Can Shanghai become the capital of AI governance?
If established, the World AI Cooperation Organization could evolve into a key institution for international collaboration on artificial intelligence. It would help countries align on issues like data transparency, model safety, and open-access development. Its structure may even influence funding flows, cross-border research, and global deployment models.
Shanghai is well-placed for this role. With its ecosystem of tech startups, elite universities, and ties to corporate giants, the city already serves as a digital innovation lab. An official AI governance body would further elevate its position in global tech diplomacy.
The success of this proposal, however, hinges on international buy-in. Nations like South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia—each with advanced AI strategies—could be early indicators. If they support the initiative, the proposal could spark a new chapter in multipolar tech governance.
Ultimately, China is redefining how AI policy is created and by whom. Even if the organization remains aspirational for now, its introduction has already shifted the debate on global AI leadership. The world must now reckon with a new reality: the rules of tomorrow’s AI may be written in Shanghai.
