World reacts: China brings new momentum to global AI governance

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms economies and societies, governments around the world are grappling with a common challenge: how to harness the technology's enormous potential while managing its growing risks.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward a comprehensive suite of proposals aimed at advancing a more inclusive and coordinated global AI governance framework. From strengthening AI capacity building in developing countries to initiating the establishment of the World AI Cooperation Organization, Xi outlined what many international observers describe as a highly practical pathway toward ensuring AI benefits all humanity.

Experts and officials from across the world said China's proposals inject fresh momentum into global efforts to build a fairer, more inclusive AI governance framework.

Bridging the global AI divide

One of the key messages in Xi's speech was that the benefits of AI should be shared by all countries, particularly developing nations that risk falling behind in the new technological revolution.

Sengdeun Sayasone, vice chairman of the Laos-China Cooperation Committee, noted that Xi's remarks reflected profound strategic vision and China's responsibility as a major global power.

"President Xi emphasized helping Global South countries strengthen capacity building, and China has consistently translated that vision into action," she said.

John Tshinseki, chairman of the Zambia Cyber Security Initiative Foundation, said Xi's speech came at an important moment for the international community.

"For some time, we have been calling on the international community to come together and explore how artificial intelligence can better serve humanity," Tshinseki said. "President Xi's address directly responds to those calls by fostering AI integration and exploring how the technology can be leveraged to tackle shared global challenges."

For many developing countries, experts noted, narrowing the digital and AI divide is becoming increasingly important as AI reshapes global competitiveness. Xi's emphasis on capacity building and inclusive development therefore resonated strongly with representatives from the Global South.

As AI continues to redefine global competitiveness, narrowing the digital and intelligent divide has become an urgent priority for the developing world. Analysts noted that China's concrete focus on capacity building and inclusive growth is precisely why its governance philosophy resonates so strongly across the Global South.

Institutionalizing global consensus

International observers also highlighted China's proposal to establish the World AI Cooperation Organization as a decisive step toward creating a representative, consensus-based international governance architecture.

Ondrej Dostal, a member of the European Parliament, pointed out that such a centralized international body is essential for overcoming the fragmented, piecemeal approaches that currently hinder global AI regulation.

Stressing the necessity of the initiative, Dostal stated that a unified organization can facilitate broad international cooperation in developing universal standards. This ensures AI is deployed peacefully and productively, while also providing a vital platform for cutting-edge experts to collaborate on frontier technologies.

A shared future for AI governance

International experts also said Xi's speech underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing both the opportunities and risks presented by AI.

Highlighting China's sustained leadership in this domain, Vince Henderson, foreign minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, pointed out that the international community urgently needs such guidance, particularly in managing the multifaceted risks associated with AI deployment.

"For at least the past three years, China has consistently advocated within the United Nations framework for a stronger, more effective international AI governance system," Henderson noted. He added that Beijing has actively encouraged governments to partner with the private sector to develop ethical standards, safeguard privacy, and ensure technological security for the common good.

The international scientific and professional community strongly shares this vision of collaborative scientific progress. Turing Award laureate Gilles Brassard described Xi's address as highly inspiring, noting that it clearly identifies the actionable direction needed to strengthen international cooperation. The speech, Brassard added, underscores that collaboration is vital not only in artificial intelligence but across all scientific fields.

Tatiana Schmollack, managing director for Greater China at the British Standards Institution, reiterated that the core takeaway is the responsible delivery of human welfare through technological innovation.

"To achieve this ultimate goal, we need joint efforts and seamless cooperation," Schmollack said. "Countries in the Global South must participate in shaping global AI governance on an equal footing alongside developed economies."

This sentiment is echoed by German scholar Max Muhlhauser from the Technical University of Darmstadt, who stated that Xi's vision aligns perfectly with the current realities of technological risk management.

Artificial intelligence represents both the greatest development opportunity of our era and a repository of immense risks," Muhlhauser said. "That is why effective governance is essential. I hope more world leaders embrace the same spirit of cooperation."