The world is at the crossroads of a new scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation. Artificial intelligence is not only a key variable in national competition but also an important engine for boosting global productivity and development.In late July, the World Artificial Intelligence Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance was held in Shanghai. Themed “Global Solidarity in the AI Era,” the conference showcased the full-chain innovation achievements of AI technology, from algorithmic models to embodied intelligence, practical applications and hardware transformation.
Amid the unprecedented dynamism of the technology industry, the foundational and urgent issue of AI governance was also a key focus of this year's event. In recent years, global AI governance has made progress, gradually shifting from advocacy in principle to institutional exploration. The governance landscape now has three distinct features:First, consensus is strengthening steadily. The international community generally recognizes the complexity and potential risks of AI technology, and technology safety has become a topic of equal importance alongside development.Second, institutional development is advancing. The United Nations and related agencies have successively introduced or adopted governance frameworks and initiatives such as the Global Digital Compact, laying the foundation for a global governance framework and fostering a stronger atmosphere of multilateral cooperation.Third, regional governance paths are rapidly taking shape. The United States, Europe, China, ASEAN, and others show relatively mature technology development and have built regulatory systems based on their own national conditions. They present a landscape of diverse exploratory practices in governance.
At the same time, AI governance continues to face structural tensions and challenges. In terms of technological objectives, some countries view AI superiority as a tool for geopolitical competition, and a broad range of developing countries are focusing on technology equity and inclusiveness.In terms of development paths, the pursuit of disruptive breakthroughs may lead to the deployment of agents and generative AI systems under conditions with inadequate regulation and understanding, planting the seeds of systemic risk. At the application level, the trend of militarization in AI continues to intensify, yet the world continues to lack effective mechanisms to constrain the development and use of autonomous weapons systems. This leaves room for both the escalation of crises and the emergence of ethical blind spots.
Therefore, building a systematic, forward-looking, and inclusive AI governance system is not only a rational response to current risks but also a necessary prerequisite for ensuring that technology is used for good purposes and in service of the public interest. As AI technologies are entering a period of exponential development, it is imperative to construct “soft reins to steer the fast horse,” so as to avoid irreversible consequences from a technological runaway.At the same time, global AI development presents a clear technological North-South divide. Technologies, computing power, talent and standards are concentrated in a few developed countries, while the Global South still faces considerable obstacles in technology access and independent development. The risks of technological dependency are on the rise, making the defense of technological sovereignty and the realization of inclusive development urgent issues to be addressed.Ultimately, the disruptive nature of AI holds both enormous potential to benefit humanity and serious risks of harm. Timely governance is essential to guide AI toward the good — to maximize its public value and minimize its potential harms.
In light of the profound changes and risks brought about by the rapid development of AI technologies, China systematically elaborated its global governance vision at the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. Centered on three core goals — universality and inclusiveness, innovation and cooperation, and joint governance — China proposed the establishment of a fair, inclusive and responsible global AI governance system. This was not only a response to the international community's concerns over technological safety, equitable access and ethical standards but also reflects China's institutional participation and leadership in values as a responsible major country in the global governance system.Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized at the conference that AI should be regarded as a global public good, and that openness, shared access and intelligent equality should be upheld. He called for helping all countries — especially those in the Global South — to strengthen capacity building and support their modernization, so that the fruits of technological progress can benefit the world more broadly.In terms of technological cooperation, China advocated open-source and collaborative innovation to overcome the trust deficit brought by technology competition. On the institutional front, China proposed the establishment of a global AI cooperation organization to deepen innovation, promote inclusive technological development and strengthen joint governance.
If the first wave of globalization was driven by maritime technology and the second by the internet revolution, then AI and other intelligent technologies are poised to drive a third wave. China's AI governance philosophy emphasizes dialogue and consultation rather than technological confrontation and champions collective security over unilateral monopoly. It is responding not only to the Global South's call for a fair technological order but is also providing a practical path for international cooperation at a time of fractured governance and declining trust.Under the consensus theme — “Global Solidarity in the AI Era” — China is taking pragmatic action to steer AI toward a more balanced, secure and inclusive development path that enables the reshaping of industrial chains, the transformation of social governance and the delivery of global public goods. In doing so, it is contributing to a global development trajectory that is more intelligent, equitable and sustainable.
