China’s Call for Global AI Governance Framework
China has officially proposed a comprehensive global action plan to govern artificial intelligence, advocating for the rapid establishment of a worldwide AI governance framework based on broad consensus. This significant move, unveiled by Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, follows closely on the heels of the United States’ own plan to assert its dominance in the rapidly evolving AI sector.
Premier Li underscored the current fragmented state of global AI governance, citing substantial differences in regulatory concepts and institutional rules among nations, and urged enhanced coordination to foster a unified international approach.
Geopolitical Undercurrents in AI Development
Premier Li’s remarks at WAIC subtly but clearly alluded to the ongoing trade tensions and technological rivalry between China and the United States. He specifically highlighted American restrictions on advanced semiconductor exports, a critical component for powering and training AI, which currently contributes to a shortage in China. Li warned against technological monopolies and restrictive controls, asserting that such practices would render AI an “exclusive game for a small number of countries and enterprises.” AI chips have become a pivotal bargaining chip in US-China trade negotiations, with recent concessions including the lifting of a ban on certain Nvidia AI chip sales to China.
China’s Ambitious Spending Fuels AI Sector Growth
China has demonstrated its ambitious AI objectives through substantial investment and rapid industry expansion. The nation now boasts over 5,000 AI companies, with its core AI industry valued at an impressive 600 billion yuan ($84 billion) as of April 2025. This surge is heavily supported by both government and private sector spending. Between 2013 and 2023, state venture capital firms collectively invested an estimated $209 billion into AI-related businesses. For 2025 alone, public sector spending on AI is projected to exceed 400 billion yuan ($56 billion), underscoring China’s “all-in” commitment to the global AI race.
China’s AI Prowess Narrows Global Technological Gap
While private AI investment in the US reached $109.1 billion in 2024 (approximately 12 times China’s $9.3 billion), China’s commitment to AI is evident in other metrics, particularly its patent output. Since 2017, China has consistently published more patents for generative AI inventions annually than all other countries combined, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization.
This substantial investment is effectively narrowing the technological gap between the US and China in the AI landscape. Recent breakthroughs from Chinese startups, such as DeepSeek’s R1 model and Moonshot’s Kimi K2, demonstrate China’s advanced technical capabilities and cost-effectiveness.
International Calls for Collaborative AI Governance
The urgent necessity for robust AI governance to mitigate potential threats, including misinformation, deepfakes, and cybersecurity risks, was strongly emphasized by Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN. He called for urgent, coordinated international action to ensure AI serves human welfare and social good. Echoing this sentiment, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt explicitly urged collaboration between the United States and China on these critical issues. Schmidt highlighted their mutual vested interest in maintaining global stability, preventing conflict, and ensuring human control over AI tools, underscoring the importance of cooperation over competition in this transformative field.
WAIC 2025: A Platform for Chinese AI Innovation and Diplomacy
The World AI Conference (WAIC), held annually in Shanghai since 2018, serves as a crucial platform for Chinese companies to showcase their technological advancements to a global audience. The 2025 event featured technology exhibitions, expert keynotes, and discussion panels aimed at advancing AI research, development, and governance, a domain in which China aspires to play a leading role.
Attended by over 800 companies, WAIC 2025 prominently featured Chinese tech giants like Tencent, Alibaba, and robotics startups such as Keenon Robotics and Unitree, alongside appearances from major US corporations including Tesla, Alphabet, and Amazon, illustrating the global scope of AI innovation.
Showcasing Cutting-Edge Robotics and AI Applications
Visitors to WAIC 2025 explored a vast array of technological innovations across 3,000 exhibits, which included more than 100 new product debuts. Among the highlights were new AI models from Tencent Holdings and SenseTime, Alibaba’s inaugural AI-powered smart glasses, and novel bipedal robot models from Keenon Robotics designed for tasks like serving popcorn.
Shenzhen startup ZTE also showcased its engaging companion “pet” robots. Other notable exhibitions included Unitree’s G1 boxing robot, which quickly became a crowd favorite, dancing robot dogs developed by China Mobile, and PsiBot’s mahjong-playing humanoid, all demonstrating the diverse and advanced applications of AI.
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