China takes action to promote global AI cooperation and bridge digital divides

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have spurred the emergence of new industries, transforming fields such as text generation, image creation and speech recognition. Large-scale models like ChatGPT, Stable Diffusion, and DALL-E 2 exemplify AI's widespread deployment, driving global economic and social development.

These developments, however, also bring new challenges in areas such as law, security, employment and ethics. The 2023 Artificial Intelligence Index Report by Stanford University reveals a sharp rise in incidents involving the misuse of AI, as tracked by the AIAAIC database, which monitors ethical concerns and controversies related to AI.

The AIAAIC database reveals that the number of such incidents has grown 26-fold since 2012, with notable cases like U.S. prisons using AI-powered call-monitoring on inmates. This rise reflects the broader adoption of AI technologies and the growing awareness of their potential for misuse.

Governments worldwide are focusing on AI governance to balance innovation with social and ethical risks. According to the Stanford report, AI-related legislation has surged, with mentions of "artificial intelligence" in bills increasing from one in 2016, to 37 in 2022 across 127 countries. Similarly, AI references in parliamentary records from 81 countries have surged 6.5 times since 2016.

Visions of inclusive AI development

Due to varying levels of technological development and cultural differences, the artificial intelligence divide and digital divide often overlap, reflecting disparities in both AI access and digital technology. In response to these challenges, China has emerged as a key advocate and practitioner of global AI governance.

In October 2023, China introduced the Global AI Governance Initiative, which set a framework for the future of AI development and governance worldwide. This initiative was echoed in a UN resolution on international cooperation for AI capacity building – the first of its kind – aligning with China's broader governance goals.

The resolution outlined China's approach to AI governance, emphasizing development, security and responsible oversight. Key principles include a people-centered approach that prioritizes the welfare of humanity, inclusive participation in AI development without ideological barriers. It calls for establishing risk-based testing and assessment systems, supporting global governance frameworks through international consensus, and fostering cooperation to help developing countries bridge gaps in AI technology and governance.

"Minimizing the risks associated with AI applications is crucial to ensuring that AI consistently serves the advancement of humanity," said Wei Kai, director of the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute at the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT). "A human-centric approach and the ethical use of AI not only guides the future of AI development but also forms the core principles of its governance."

Bridging global technology gaps

China has been advocating for global AI governance and equitable technology access. In December 2021, China introduced its first proposal under the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons framework, emphasizing the regulation of AI in military contexts. This was followed by a position paper in November 2022 on ethical AI governance, calling for accountability mechanisms and the prohibition of unethical AI applications.

China has also played a central role in fostering international cooperation in AI capacity building. In July 2024, a historic resolution led by China was adopted at the 78th UN General Assembly. Supported by over 140 countries, the resolution underscored the need for international collaboration on AI governance.

To bridge the AI and digital divides, especially for the Global South, China proposed the "AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All" in September 2024. This initiative focuses on investing in AI education, professional training, and promoting AI literacy, with a special emphasis on protecting digital rights for marginalized groups such as women and children.

"AI has the potential to widen the digital divide into an intelligence divide," said Zeng Yi, professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a member of the UN High-level Advisory Body on AI. "Ensuring the inclusive development of AI is key to making its benefits accessible to everyone."

"We look forward to greater contributions from China in building a global AI governance framework, led by the United Nations, that enables participation from all member states and leaves no one behind," he added.

Lu Chuanying, senior fellow and deputy director at the Institute of Public Policy and Innovation, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, underscores China's "people-centered" approach to AI, rooted in the ancient concept of "Minben," or "people as the foundation," meaning that a country should serve its people. Drawing on both Chinese traditions and Western human rights discussions, this philosophy promotes a balanced relationship between technology and humanity.

In the AI era, this philosophy takes on new meaning and importance. According to Lu, AI must respect individual rights and promote collective well-being. China's initiative provides not only a framework for ethical AI standards and development direction but also a deeper ethical vision. It calls for a global governance model that balances diverse interests and unites countries in facing shared human challenges.