Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday urged the international community to establish a global organisation focused on artificial intelligence (AI) governance, warning that fragmented regulation and unequal access could create an “exclusive game” dominated by a few powerful countries and corporations.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Li described AI as a “new engine for growth,” but stressed that global coordination on the technology’s development and security is urgently needed.
“Currently, global AI governance remains fragmented. There are significant differences among countries regarding regulatory philosophies and institutional frameworks,” Li said. “We must strengthen cooperation and move swiftly toward a widely accepted global AI governance framework.”
His remarks come amid rising tensions between China and the United States, the two largest economies, where AI has become a focal point in the broader tech rivalry. The U.S. has imposed export controls on cutting-edge technologies such as Nvidia’s AI chips and advanced chipmaking tools, citing national security concerns over their potential military use by China.
Though Li did not directly mention the U.S., he criticised the growing barriers to access in AI development, citing shortages of critical chips and restrictions on talent exchange as major challenges. He also emphasised China’s willingness to share its AI achievements and products with other countries, particularly those in the Global South.
WAIC, a key annual tech gathering backed by the Chinese government, has drawn over 800 companies this year, featuring more than 3,000 high-tech products, 40 large language models, 50 AI-powered devices, and 60 intelligent robots. The event showcases innovations from Chinese giants like Huawei and Alibaba, as well as Western firms including Tesla, Alphabet, and Amazon.
Notably absent from this year’s opening was Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a regular presence in past editions either in person or via video link.
With geopolitical tensions rising and the race for AI supremacy accelerating, Li’s call signals China’s intent to play a central role in shaping the future of global AI governance and to rally support from developing nations in pushing back against what it views as technological containment.
Reuters/s.s