China Calls for Global AI Consensus on Development and Security

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for a global consensus on balancing artificial intelligence (AI) development with security risks, warning of the dangers of monopolies and unchecked growth in the field.

Speaking at the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Li emphasized the urgent need for international governance, collaboration, and open-source development. He announced the creation of a Chinese-led international AI cooperation body to promote inclusive growth.

“The risks and challenges brought by artificial intelligence have drawn widespread attention. Finding a balance between development and security urgently requires consensus,” said Premier Li. He added that monopolies and technology blockades would only benefit a few, urging for openness and fair access to AI globally, especially for developing nations.

Li also acknowledged China’s challenges in AI development, highlighting limited access to high-end chips and computing power—an area where U.S. export restrictions have tightened in recent years due to national security concerns.

The premier’s remarks come shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump introduced a low-regulation AI strategy aimed at boosting American dominance in the sector by “removing red tape.”

China, meanwhile, has made AI a cornerstone of its tech self-reliance strategy, with startups like DeepSeek demonstrating competitive models despite hardware constraints.

At the WAIC, Nobel Prize-winning scientist Geoffrey Hinton compared AI to a “cute tiger cub,” warning that its future risks must be carefully managed. UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed the need for AI governance as “a defining test of international cooperation.”

French AI envoy Anne Bouverot also stressed the urgency for global coordination. In February, 58 countries—including China, France, and India—backed a joint call for stronger AI governance. However, the U.S. remains cautious of “excessive regulation” that could hinder innovation.