China Pushes for Global AI Body at APEC, Challenging US Dominance

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes the global technological landscape, the question of how to govern this transformative technology has taken center stage. At the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping took centrestage to push a bold proposal for a global AI body. This initiative aims to set governance rules and boost cooperation, positioning China as a formidable alternative to the United States on trade cooperation and AI governance. However, the proposal has met resistance, particularly from the US, which has rejected efforts to regulate AI through international bodies.

This article explores the implications of China's push for a global AI body at APEC, the dynamics of international AI governance, and what this means for the future of global trade and technology.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese President Xi Jinping took centre stage at the APEC leaders meeting on Saturday to push a proposal for a global AI body aimed at governing artificial intelligence and setting governance rules.

• The initiative Beijing unveiled seeks to position China as an alternative to the United States on trade cooperation and AI governance, promoting AI as a “public good for the international community.”

• The United States, represented by President Donald Trump’s absence at the summit, has rejected efforts to regulate AI in international bodies, highlighting contrasting approaches to AI governance.

Introduction to Global AI Governance

The concept of a global body to govern artificial intelligence has gained significant traction, especially amid concerns about the rapid development and deployment of AI technologies. Chinese President Xi Jinping took centre stage during the meeting of APEC leaders on Saturday to push a proposal for a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. This global AI body would set governance rules, boost cooperation, and make AI a “public good for the international community.” The initiative Beijing unveiled this year aims to regulate AI and position China as a key player in the global AI governance landscape, challenging the United States’ current dominance.

The Initiative Beijing Unveiled

The proposal for a global AI body reflects China’s ambition to lead in AI governance and trade cooperation. Chinese officials have indicated that the organization could be headquartered in Shanghai, a major commercial hub. This global AI governance framework would provide a platform for multilateral cooperation, setting standards that ensure AI development benefits all countries and regions equitably. Xi Jinping emphasized the “great significance for future development” that AI holds, underscoring the need for responsible use and international collaboration.

APEC Leaders Meeting: Platform for Global AI Governance

The APEC leaders meeting was a pivotal moment for China to promote its vision of AI governance and trade cooperation. The summit, held in the South Korean city of Gyeongju, brought together leaders from 21 economies representing half of global trade. Xi Jinping used the platform to push a proposal for a global AI body, urging APEC leaders to approve governance rules and promote the free circulation of green technologies.

APEC Members Approved Joint Declarations

During the meeting, APEC members approved a joint declaration on AI governance and green technologies, signaling a collective acknowledgment of AI’s transformative potential. The declaration supports the establishment of governance rules to regulate AI and promotes the free circulation of green technologies such as solar panels and electric car production—industries in which China dominates. This move aligns with China’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in both AI and sustainable economic development.

Aspect	Details
Summit Location	South Korean city of Gyeongju
Number of Economies	21 APEC members representing half of global trade
Key Approvals	Joint declaration on AI governance and green technologies
Host of Next Summit	China to host 2026 APEC summit in Shenzhen, a major commercial hub and special economic zone
Focus Areas	AI governance, trade cooperation, green technology circulation

China’s Role in Global AI: Positioning as an Alternative to the US

China’s push for a global AI body is part of a broader strategy to position itself as an alternative to the United States in trade cooperation and AI governance. President Xi Jinping took centre stage at the summit to promote China’s vision of “inclusive multilateralism” and algorithmic sovereignty—a concept emphasizing control over domestic AI systems.

China-Based Developer DeepSeek and the AI Boom

China is not only advocating for governance but also advancing its AI capabilities through homegrown developers like DeepSeek. This company has rolled out lower-cost AI models that are gaining traction domestically, reflecting China's push for “algorithmic sovereignty” and reducing dependence on US chipmakers such as Nvidia. The AI boom in China is supported by its dominance in green technologies and manufacturing, including solar panels and electric vehicle production, which further strengthens its position in the global AI market.

Global AI Regulation: Contrasting Approaches

The debate over global AI regulation highlights contrasting approaches between China and the United States. While China advocates for a centralized global AI body to set governance rules and foster cooperation, the US has resisted such efforts, preferring decentralized, domestic, and private-sector-led frameworks.

US President Donald Trump’s Absence and Its Significance

President Donald Trump’s absence from the APEC summit underscored the US’s reluctance to engage in international AI governance efforts. In his absence, the two leaders’ talks yielded a one-year deal to partially roll back trade and technology controls, easing tensions but leaving the broader AI governance debate unresolved. The US’s rejection of efforts to regulate AI in international bodies contrasts sharply with China’s push to make AI a “public good for the international community.”

Benefits and Challenges of a Global AI Body

The establishment of a global AI body offers several benefits, including promoting international cooperation, setting governance rules, and ensuring AI development serves global interests responsibly. However, challenges remain, such as balancing innovation with regulation and addressing issues like algorithmic sovereignty and equitable access to AI benefits.

Balancing Innovation and Responsibility

A global AI governance framework must strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring responsible AI use. The body would need to address concerns about data privacy, ethical AI deployment, and the free circulation of green technologies to ensure sustainable development. Moreover, promoting algorithmic sovereignty allows countries to maintain control over their AI systems while participating in global cooperation.

Conclusion and Future Directions

China’s push for a global AI body at APEC marks a significant development in international AI governance. By positioning itself as an alternative to the United States, China aims to shape the future of AI regulation, trade cooperation, and technological development. The establishment of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization could provide a much-needed framework for international collaboration, ensuring AI benefits all countries and regions.

The future of AI governance will depend on the ability of international bodies to work together, balancing innovation with responsibility. As China prepares to host the 2026 APEC summit in Shenzhen, a major hub for robotics, electric vehicles, and high-tech manufacturing, the global AI landscape is poised for transformative change. The ongoing dialogue between China, the US, and other global players will be critical in defining how AI is governed and harnessed for future development.

External Sources and Opinions

• According to the official news agency Xinhua, Xi Jinping emphasized that “artificial intelligence is of great significance for future development and should be made for the benefit of people in all countries and regions.”

• Analysts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies note that “China’s proposal for a global AI governance body reflects its ambition to lead in setting international technology standards, challenging the US-led model.” Major tech companies are also competing for leadership, as seen in Amazon's $100 billion investment in AI.

• The Brookings Institution highlights the challenges of global AI governance, stating, “Effective AI regulation requires multilateral cooperation that balances innovation, security, and ethical considerations.”

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