China has proposed a global AI governance plan, including a potential Shanghai-based organisation, to promote international cooperation. This initiative contrasts with the US, which is focused on asserting its leadership and dominance in AI. China's plan emphasises inclusivity, the role of the UN, and support for developing nations, advocating for AI to be a public good accessible to all.
Premier Li Qiang highlighted the need for a coordinated global framework, noting the current fragmentation and differences in regulatory concepts. China's proposal includes cross-border collaboration and an open-source AI community. This comes as the US unveils its AI Action Plan, which aims to secure American dominance through innovation, infrastructure development, and international diplomacy. The US plan involves over 90 federal policy actions, including exporting AI technology to allies and ensuring secure AI exports.
The competing visions reflect a broader geopolitical competition in the AI sector. Huawei recently debuted its CloudMatrix 384 AI computing system, seen as a competitor to Nvidia's advanced systems. Both countries are vying for influence in AI standard-setting and governance, with China promoting a multilateral approach and the US focusing on building its own sphere of influence.
