China’s Xi Proposes Global AI Governance Body at APEC Summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping has positioned China as an alternative to the United States on trade cooperation by proposing a global artificial intelligence governance body at the APEC leaders’ meeting. This marks Xi’s first public comments on the initiative Beijing unveiled earlier this year.
Key Takeaways
- Xi Jinping proposed a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization to set global AI governance rules
- The initiative positions China as an alternative to US leadership on trade and technology cooperation
- APEC members approved joint declarations on AI and aging population challenges
- China will host the 2026 APEC summit in manufacturing hub Shenzhen
Global AI Governance Proposal
President Xi stated that a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization could establish governance rules and boost international cooperation, making AI a “public good for the international community.” In remarks published by Xinhua, Xi 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.”
Chinese officials indicated the organization could be based in Shanghai, reinforcing China’s push for what it calls “algorithmic sovereignty” amid the AI boom dominated by US companies like Nvidia.
APEC Leadership Dynamics
The proposal comes as US President Donald Trump skipped the APEC leaders’ summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, returning to Washington after meeting with Xi. Their talks produced a one-year deal to partially roll back trade and technology controls that had heightened tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Analysts had anticipated Xi would use Trump’s absence to promote China’s model of multilateral cooperation on trade and economic development.
Green Technology and Future Hosting
Xi also urged APEC to promote the “free circulation” of green technologies, sectors where China dominates including batteries and solar panels. The announcement that China will host the 2026 APEC summit in Shenzhen highlights the city’s transformation from fishing village to manufacturing powerhouse for robotics and electric vehicles.
APEC, comprising 21 nations representing half of global trade, serves as a consultative forum for Pacific Rim economies.
