China launches new AI cooperation body, calls for global consensus amid US tech race
China’s Premier Li Qiang announced a fresh international AI cooperation organization from Shanghai at the World AI Conference on Saturday. The move aims to push global governance for AI, striking a balance between development and security.
Li warned about AI’s risks and stressed open-source AI sharing, especially with developing countries. He criticized technology monopolies, saying: 
“The risks and challenges brought by artificial intelligence have drawn widespread attention … How to find a balance between development and security urgently requires further consensus from the entire society.”
The new China-led body will focus on “extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits,” according to Xinhua News Agency, though specifics remain scarce.
This announcement comes days after the US unveiled a less regulated, innovation-first AI strategy under former President Trump, promising to cut red tape for private sector AI growth.
Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton compared AI’s challenges to “keeping a very cute tiger cub as a pet,” reminding the audience of the dangers as AI evolves.
“To survive, you need to ensure you can train it not to kill you when it grows up.”
Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu also weighed in, warning against “unilateralism and protectionism,” a clear dig at US export controls on Chinese chip technology. Li flagged “insufficient supply of computing power and chips” as a major bottleneck.
The move highlights China’s push for AI self-reliance and signals a split in global AI governance approaches. The US and allies lean toward minimal regulation. The EU favors legislation like the EU AI Act. China and “Global South” nations are rallying around open cooperation.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a video message at WAIC, called AI governance “a defining test of international cooperation.” France’s AI envoy Anne Bouverot echoed the call for a transparent, inclusive global framework.
“The risks and challenges brought by artificial intelligence have drawn widespread attention … How to find a balance between development and security urgently requires further consensus from the entire society.”
Premier Li Qiang, World AI Conference, Shanghai
For tech watchers, this sets up AI as a new battleground of international power and diplomacy as China leads a coalition that counters US and EU approaches.
