Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for the creation of a Global Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization aimed at uniting nations to coordinate AI development, regulation, and security standards. The announcement came during his keynote at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, a premier three-day event that brings together global tech leaders, innovators, and policymakers.
Calling AI a “new engine for global economic growth,” Li highlighted that while AI is advancing rapidly, global governance remains fragmented, with nations holding widely differing regulatory frameworks, institutional rules, and ethical standards. He urged countries to form a unified, globally recognized framework for AI governance to prevent technology from becoming an “exclusive game” dominated by a few nations and corporations.
Li’s proposal comes against the backdrop of intensifying US-China technological competition, with AI emerging as a central battleground. Washington has restricted exports of cutting-edge AI chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China, citing concerns over potential military applications. These sanctions target companies such as Nvidia and advanced chipmakers, aiming to slow China’s AI acceleration.
Despite these curbs, China continues to make major AI breakthroughs, drawing close scrutiny from US officials. Li acknowledged these challenges, citing shortages of advanced AI chips and limitations on global talent exchanges as barriers to balanced growth.
By establishing a global AI cooperation body, Li envisions fostering cross-border collaboration on AI standards, security, innovation, and ethical practices—helping nations navigate the fast-evolving technology responsibly while avoiding monopolization by a select few. As AI shapes the future of economies, industries, and geopolitics, Li’s call aims to position China as a leader in shaping international AI governance while promoting inclusive growth and shared innovation.
