China’s Premier Li proposes global AI cooperation organisation

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday proposed establishing an organisation to foster global cooperation on artificial intelligence, calling on countries to coordinate on the development and security of the fast-evolving technology, Reuters reported.

Speaking at the opening of the annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Li called AI a new engine for growth but said governance is fragmented and emphasising the need for more coordination between countries to form a globally recognised framework for AI.

The three-day event brings together industry leaders and policymakers at a time of escalating technological competition between China and the United States – the world’s two largest economies – with AI emerging as a key battleground.

“Overall global AI governance is still fragmented. Countries have great differences particularly in terms of areas such as regulatory concepts, institutional rules,” Li said. “We should strengthen coordination to form a global AI governance framework that has broad consensus as soon as possible.”

Washington has imposed export restrictions on advanced technology to China, including the most high-end AI chips made by companies such as Nvidia (NVDA.O), opens new tab and chipmaking equipment, citing concerns that the technology could enhance China’s military capabilities.