Gerui Wang

Opinion | Why China is pushing so hard for international cooperation on AI

At a recent conference in Shanghai, participants underscored why AI development must be inclusive and not succumb to deglobalisation pressures

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Visitors attend the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 4. Conference attendees from around the world exchanged views on different aspects of AI development. Photo: Xinhua

Gerui Wang

Published: 5:30am, 9 Jul 2024Updated: 3:21pm, 25 Sep 2024

Last week, the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference was held in Shanghai. The conference creates an international platform for tech companies to showcase the latest generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

From American tech giants Tesla and Qualcomm to hundreds of Chinese AI companies, global innovators gathered in Shanghai to explore new opportunities in AI. Researchers from multiple countries shared cutting-edge discoveries regarding possibilities and risks. Meanwhile, policymakers exchanged ideas on fostering safe and just ecosystems for AI development. This year’s theme highlighted global AI governance.

As the world faces increasing deglobalisation risks and trade disputes, the conference foregrounds the necessity of global cooperation over AI safety. Attendees discussed key risks in AI such as bias, infringement on intellectual property rights and private data, military use and environmental damages, stressing that these issues should be addressed by the international community.

Countries and regions that build frameworks to govern AI, as a new form of capital, with responsibility, equity and inclusion will set international standards. China views the growth of AI technologies as a chance to spread prosperity and shape value systems in the coming decades.

This year, the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution on international cooperation on AI capacity building proposed by China and co-sponsored by more than 140 countries. At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, Premier Li Qiang stressed the need for broader global participation to promote AI’s safe deployment. Speakers, entrepreneurs and leaders from around the world shared diverse perspectives at the conference.

“Governing AI for Good and for All” was a key focus of the conference. Instead of discussing how AI will replace human jobs, some attendees at the conference emphasised how AI is merely changing the nature of production. Conversations also touched on leveraging AI to upscale agriculture, transport, e-commerce, space exploration and public health.