China's Vision for AI: A New Global Player Emerges

In a bold move, China's President Xi Jinping proposed the creation of a global AI governing body during the APEC summit. This proposal positions China as a key player in the international AI landscape, offering an alternative to the US's stance on AI regulation. Xi emphasized that this new organization, tentatively named the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, would establish governance rules and foster international collaboration, making AI a shared resource for all. Xi's remarks, shared through the state-run Xinhua news agency, highlighted the importance of AI in shaping the future. He stressed that AI should benefit people across all countries and regions. This initiative comes as China aims to strengthen its position in the global tech arena, particularly in the face of US resistance to international AI regulations. The proposal also underscores China's ambition to lead in green technology. Xi urged APEC members to support the "free circulation" of green technologies, an area where China is already a dominant force. This push aligns with China's broader strategy to promote its technological and economic influence worldwide. The APEC summit, held in Gyeongju, South Korea, saw the approval of several joint declarations and pacts, including those on AI and aging populations. Notably, China will host the 2026 APEC summit in Shenzhen, a city known for its rapid transformation from a fishing village to a major manufacturing hub. This choice reflects China's economic growth and its role as a significant player in global trade. While the US was notably absent from the summit, with President Donald Trump returning to Washington, Xi's presence and proposals underscored China's growing influence. The summit also highlighted the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, as well as China's efforts to promote its own vision of multilateral cooperation.