China Advocates for Global AI Cooperation Amid U.S. Deregulation Moves

In a significant push for international collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for a unified global approach to AI development during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) held in Shanghai. This appeal comes just days after the Trump administration announced a strategy aimed at reducing regulations in the AI sector, which has raised concerns about security and ethical implications surrounding this rapidly evolving technology.

During his keynote address on July 26, 2025, Premier Li emphasized the urgency of establishing a comprehensive governance framework for AI, stating that the technology represents a crucial engine for economic growth. He urged countries to cooperate in addressing the fragmented nature of AI governance and highlighted the importance of balancing technological advancement with security risks. "The risks and challenges brought by artificial intelligence have drawn widespread attention," Li remarked. "How to find a balance between development and security urgently requires further consensus from the entire society."

Li's statements come in the context of the U.S. unveiling its low-regulation strategy, which includes an executive order aimed at promoting what the White House considers necessary AI advancements while criticizing certain AI models as "woke". This approach is seen as an attempt to maintain U.S. leadership in the competitive global AI landscape, particularly against China, which has been making significant strides in AI technology.

The WAIC is a pivotal annual event that gathers industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to discuss advancements and challenges in AI. Notable speakers this year included Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as the "godfather of AI", and Anne Bouverot, the French president's special envoy for AI. However, prominent figures like Elon Musk were notably absent from this year's conference, raising questions about the shifting dynamics in the tech industry.

In addition to advocating for international cooperation, Li expressed China's commitment to promoting open-source AI development and sharing technological advances with developing nations. He cautioned against AI becoming an "exclusive game" for a limited number of countries and corporations, highlighting the need for equitable access to AI technology.

The backdrop of these discussions includes ongoing technological tensions between the U.S. and China, with Washington implementing export restrictions on advanced AI technologies to prevent potential military enhancements in China. The restrictions have particularly targeted high-end AI chips produced by companies such as Nvidia and associated chipmaking technologies.

As AI continues to permeate various sectors, ethical concerns regarding its implications—ranging from misinformation to potential job displacement—have come to the forefront. Recent studies have shown alarming trends, such as a reported 80% decline in clickthrough rates for news articles as AI-generated summaries begin to dominate search results.

The WAIC also featured a showcase of predominantly Chinese tech firms, including industry giants like Huawei and Alibaba, alongside Western companies such as Tesla and Amazon. This mix reflects the complex interplay of cooperation and competition that characterizes the current state of global AI development.

In conclusion, as nations navigate the dual challenges of fostering innovation while managing security risks, the call for a cohesive international strategy on AI by China’s Premier Li Qiang may serve as a pivotal moment in shaping the future landscape of artificial intelligence. The implications of these developments will likely resonate through economic, political, and ethical spheres as the global community grapples with the transformative power of AI.