China pledges support for AI development and global cooperation

China will continue to provide global public goods, such as support for artificial intelligence (AI) development and capacity building in developing countries, and use AI to benefit all of humanity, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in response to a question about the opening of the first Seminar on Capacity Building of Artificial Intelligence in Shanghai. She noted that the rapid development and wide application of AI have made it a key driver of the new wave of scientific and technological innovation and industrial transformation.

As a major country in the AI field, China places great importance on the development and application of AI, particularly in enhancing the capacity of the developing world, said the spokesperson, adding that China is actively committed to helping fellow developing countries benefit from AI and ensuring that countries of the Global South are sufficiently involved in global AI governance.

To this end, China submitted a draft resolution during this year's UN General Assembly entitled "Enhancing International Cooperation on Capacity-building of Artificial Intelligence," which was adopted by consensus and co-sponsored by 143 countries, according to the spokesperson.

As a follow-up to this resolution, China, in collaboration with the UN, is hosting the Seminar on Capacity Building of Artificial Intelligence in Shanghai from September 3 to 6, with representatives from nearly 40 countries participating. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended the opening ceremony.

Mao noted that the seminar will help representatives from the Global South gain a deeper understanding of current progress and trends in AI development through expert lectures, exchanges, visits and surveys, thus bridging the AI divide.

China will continue to provide such global public goods, support developing countries in their growth and promote the use of AI for the benefit of all, the spokesperson added.