China's AI bring development and security to the world

Editor's note: Miao Zhengming is a lecturer in the School of National Security, People's Public Security University of China. The article reflects the author's views and not necessarily those of CGTN.

As the core driving force behind the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, artificial intelligence is profoundly reshaping the global technological landscape and industrial ecosystem. Guided by the core philosophy of "people-centered development and AI for good" – and balancing development with security – China has built an autonomous, controllable technological system and an open, inclusive cooperative ecosystem. In doing so, it has not only achieved leapfrog development domestically but also contributed Chinese wisdom and solutions to global social progress.

First, China continues to advance the implementation of the four global initiatives and the Global AI Governance Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, establishing governance principles that prioritize AI for good, safety, and controllability, and inclusive fairness. These initiatives uphold the philosophy of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits; they oppose using AI as a tool for seeking hegemony or forming an exclusive "Western clique‌," while advocating for strengthened multilateral cooperation within the UN framework to foster a global AI governance system based on broad consensus.

China remains committed to being a provider of international public goods, actively advocating for and taking concrete actions to promote the development of AI for the common good and inclusive benefit, while assisting the Global South in building its AI capabilities. Themed "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future," the forthcoming 2026 World AI Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, which concepts of "Partnership" and "Future" are embodied in this theme reflect the vision China champions in the AI sector. The conference will serve as a platform for all parties to enhance mutual trust, build consensus, and deepen cooperation, thereby making a positive contribution to the healthy, safe, and orderly development of artificial intelligence.

Second, China has solidified the technological foundation of artificial intelligence and, leveraging its market advantages, is actively driving AI-enabled development. The country has accumulated extensive experience in applying AI to manufacturing, public services, and green, low-carbon industries. Data from the China Mobile Internet Report (Spring 2026) indicates that, as of March 2026, the number of monthly active users of AI-native apps in China reached 440 million, while the total number of 5G base stations nationwide hit 4.958 million. China has become the world's largest holder of AI patents, accounting for 60% of global patent applications. China's practical experience in implementing AI technology offers a "Chinese model" – featuring localized applications – that provides other nations with a blueprint for the safe and effective use of AI.

Third, China is proactively assisting the Global South in addressing deficiencies in smart infrastructure and bridging the North-South gap in intelligent development. Opposing "small yard, high fence" policies, China encourages cross-border data flow and technological collaboration, aiming to narrow the North-South development divide and foster the intelligent transformation of Global South countries.

In recent years, China has championed inclusive technology and lowered the barriers to global AI adoption, playing an active role in building open-source AI ecosystems. By 2025, Chinese open-source models accounted for 17.1% of global downloads, with eight of the world's top ten open-source models originating from China. Models such as DeepSeek have emerged as foundational platforms for global research. For instance, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa deployed a Huawei AI-powered platform integrating optical and visual monitoring; leveraging AI recognition and large-model capabilities, the system accurately detects abnormal vibrations and behavioral incidents. Following its deployment, safety incidents along the railway lines dropped by 80%, and manual inspection efficiency rose by 50%, significantly enhancing operational safety while reducing costs.

Fourth, China is developing safe and controllable artificial intelligence and establishing secure, stable, and sustainable mechanisms for its development and operation. To ensure the creation of trustworthy AI technology, the Chinese government has issued a series of laws and regulations aimed at keeping AI under human control at all times.

In advancing AI technology, China rejects the simplistic narrative that pits development against security; instead, it emphasizes the need to balance the two, advocates a people-centered approach that prioritizes public well-being and socioeconomic progress, and works to prevent the abuse or malicious use of AI. China is committed to developing trustworthy AI technologies that allow for monitoring and traceability, while continuously refining laws, regulations, and rules to ensure that AI remains under human control.

Fifth, China's AI initiatives offer balanced and feasible solutions for global AI governance, promote AI as a public good that benefits all of humanity, and lead the global intelligent industry toward inclusive, balanced, and sustainable development. China is committed to eliminating technological barriers and ensuring that technological advancement consistently serves human well-being. Addressing the widening global "intelligence divide," China actively practices true multilateralism and strives to make AI an international public good that benefits everyone.

Through international platforms such as the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, China fosters global technological exchange and cooperation, collaborates on the formulation of international standards, and drives the creation of a global governance system characterized by broad participation and shared benefits. With the convening of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, China will continue to join hands with the international community to deepen cooperation in technology R&D, industrial application, and global governance, thereby injecting powerful momentum into the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on Twitter to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)