China has introduced a broad framework for global AI governance during the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, outlining its vision for a more inclusive international approach to artificial intelligence. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for stronger global cooperation on AI development, stressing that the technology should benefit all nations while remaining safe, transparent, and under meaningful human oversight.
The proposal highlights the importance of building international rules that encourage innovation while addressing challenges such as AI safety, ethics, security, and unequal access to advanced technologies. Chinese officials argued that AI governance should be based on multilateral cooperation rather than being dominated by any single country or group of nations. The initiative also promotes open-source AI development, describing it as a way to accelerate innovation and expand access to emerging technologies across the world.
As part of the announcement, China pledged additional support for developing countries by offering AI training programmes, technical cooperation, and partnerships with regional organisations across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other parts of the Global South. Officials said these initiatives are intended to reduce technological disparities and help countries strengthen their own AI capabilities.
China also released an international AI ethics action plan that encourages governments to strengthen governance throughout the AI lifecycle, improve risk management, support explainable and privacy-preserving AI systems, and promote cooperation among policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders. The action plan calls for closer international coordination on AI ethics, standards, and responsible deployment while encouraging practical collaboration among countries.
The announcement comes at a time of increasing global competition over AI leadership. Analysts note that China and the United States are pursuing different approaches to AI development, technology exports, and international regulation. While China has highlighted openness and broader access to AI technologies, Western governments continue to place significant emphasis on national security, advanced chip controls, and responsible deployment of frontier AI systems.
China's proposals have generated international attention because they extend beyond technology development to include governance, diplomacy, and international cooperation. Whether the framework gains wider international support will depend on future discussions among governments, international organisations, technology companies, and research institutions as global efforts to establish AI governance continue to evolve.
