China's AI Governance Offensive: Rhetoric, Self-Interest, and Global Ambitions
The article analyzes China's intensified efforts to shape international norms on artificial intelligence (AI) governance, as exemplified by President Xi Jinping's keynote at the 2026 World AI Conference. Xi promoted a 'people-centered' approach, openness, multilateralism, and UN-led governance, while opposing the 'overstretching of national security concepts'—a veiled criticism of US technology restrictions. The analysis argues these moves are self-serving, aimed at accessing foreign technology and exporting China's illiberal values. China announced the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization with 29 founding signatories, including Russia and Pakistan, and pledged 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries. The article warns democracies to respond, noting China's past limited success in global governance initiatives like the outer space treaty. It concludes that while regulation is needed, China's vision ignores universal principles like human rights.
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