Experts: China's AI initiative features openness, collaboration, risk control

The 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance is getting underway in Shanghai.

From the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) to the introduction of concrete action plans that invite the international community to join AI development, the conference moved global AI governance from theoretical discussions to concrete implementation.

Attending experts from academia, research institutions and governments noted that openness, collaboration and sharing, as well as risk prevention, stood out as key features of China's vision for global AI governance.

Xiao Qian, vice dean of the Institute for AI International Governance at Tsinghua University, said the emphasis on inclusiveness and open cooperation, alongside the active promotion of international collaboration on artificial intelligence, has been China's consistent stance.

Embodying this stance, the phrase "open source" appeared repeatedly in the achievements announced on Friday. Data shows that the cumulative downloads of China's open-source large artificial intelligence models have surpassed 10 billion, ranking first in the world.

Yao Xu, associate professor at the Fudan Development Institute and secretary-general of the Center for Global AI Innovative Governance at Fudan University, said the open-source ecosystem is one where everyone can build together and share.  

The core focus now is to ensure that the vast majority of developing nations and Global South countries can access and effectively use AI, securing their basic right to development, Yao emphasized. 

China has demonstrated its commitment to responding to the voices of the Global South, uniting the international community and bridging the digital divide, as it provides 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries and delivers the MAZU meteorological early-warning solution that autonomously monitors extreme weather for over 30 countries.

Nomin Chinbat, Mongolia's Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications and a Member of Parliament, said China's AI strategy has impressed many partners in the region. She noted that China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) provides a clear roadmap for AI and high-tech development, while initiatives such as the "Eastern Data, Western Computing" program have helped build a comprehensive AI ecosystem spanning scientific research, manufacturing and real-world applications.

She added that Mongolia, with abundant renewable energy resources, including solar and wind power, hopes to become a strong partner for China in data center development, describing the two countries as highly complementary in AI infrastructure.

Beyond openness and inclusiveness, China's Global AI Governance Initiative also highlights risk awareness and management. 

An action plan on international AI ethics governance released on Friday calls on all countries to take action in categorized and tiered risk prevention and control while encouraging stronger policy coordination and practical cooperation in the international community. 

Mario Nobile, director general of the Agency for Digital Italy, said AI governance should encompass the entire AI ecosystem rather than focusing solely on foundation models. He noted that energy, semiconductors, data centers, models and applications are all integral to AI development, warning that countries lacking sufficient energy supplies or data center infrastructure could face disadvantages despite having advanced models. He said internationally recognized AI governance standards are essential for building broader consensus.

Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, undersecretary for communications and information technology at Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said every country can make a unique contribution, and there are many opportunities for China to launch collaborative projects with countries around the world.