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China unveils AI governance plan at summit

At WAIC, China presented a new AI framework, underscoring its global leadership ambitions.

July 31, 2025 at 03:04 PM

Inside the Summit Where China Pitched Its AI Agenda to the World

China's new AI policy reveals its ambition to lead global discussions on AI governance.

China Introduces Comprehensive AI Strategy to Global Audience

At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China unveiled its "Global AI Governance Action Plan" on July 26. This announcement coincided with the release of the US AI action plan, highlighting a stark contrast in approaches. Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need for international cooperation in AI, while prominent researchers showcased advancements focused on AI safety. Zhou Bowen, leader of the Shanghai AI Lab, discussed potential government roles in monitoring AI safety. Without American participation, a coalition of global players, including China and the EU, is shaping the future of AI regulation, which many attendees noted centers on safety issues rather than solely innovation.

Key Takeaways

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China’s AI plan emphasizes global cooperation on safety.

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The absence of US leadership was evident at WAIC.

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AI safety is now a primary focus of discussions in China.

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China advocates for UN involvement in AI regulations.

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Comparisons reveal a shift in global AI leadership roles.

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Concern over similar risks in US and Chinese AI developments.

"A coalition of major AI safety players, co-led by China, Singapore, the UK, and the EU, will now drive efforts to construct guardrails around frontier AI model development."

This highlights the new leadership void left by the US in global AI governance discussions.

"It would be best if the UK, US, China, Singapore, and other institutes come together."

Yi Zeng calls for international cooperation among AI safety organizations, reflecting a unified approach to AI risks.

"You could literally attend AI safety events nonstop in the last seven days."

Brian Tse reflects on the intensity of AI safety discourse in China compared to the West.

"China’s AI action plan reads like a globalist manifesto."

This describes the contrasting ideological perspectives on AI governance between China and the US.

The divergence in AI strategies between the US and China is striking. While the US leans towards a less regulated AI landscape, China's focus on safety and international collaboration may provide it with a moral high ground. The absence of the US at such a critical gathering raises questions about its influence in shaping global AI standards. With many countries seeking guidance from China, the global dynamics of AI development and safety may shift significantly, potentially sidelining American interests in the process.

Highlights

China is positioning itself as a leader in AI safety discussions.
Without the US, a new coalition is shaping AI governance.
AI safety discussions now dominate China's agenda.
The absence of US input raises concerns for future AI regulations.

Absence of US Leadership in AI Raises Concerns

The noticeable absence of US representatives at the WAIC could lead to a significant shift in AI governance, positioning China and its allies as leaders. This could affect global safety regulations and standards, potentially sidelining US interests in the field.

The global landscape of AI governance is evolving, with China taking a leading role.

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ai governance china us policy international collaboration ai safety technology politics international relations

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