China is asserting its role in global leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), with emphasis on establishing unique standards and governance frameworks that differ from those led by the U.S. This assertion was made clear by statements from Chinese leaders, exemplified at the World AI Conference where the nation underscored its commitment to collaborating with Global South countries on sharing AI models and enhancing capacities.

China: The People’s Republic of China is actively advancing its position in global technology policy through high-level international engagements. President Xi Jinping recently used the World Artificial Intelligence Conference platform to articulate China’s leadership ambitions in AI standards, governance, and usage norms. This effort frames open-source AI models as a public good for international cooperation.
Laurie Chen: Laurie Chen is Reuters’ China Correspondent based in Beijing with a focus on frontier technology, geopolitics, and strategic industries. She reported directly from the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on Xi Jinping’s keynote outlining China’s vision for global AI leadership.

AI Governance: China is positioning itself as a champion of a new global AI order emphasizing standards and norms distinct from U.S.-led approaches.
International Engagement: At the World AI Conference, China highlighted cooperation with Global South nations on AI model sharing and capacity building.