WAIC – China World Artificial Intelligence Conference Spotlights Global AI Governance Push
WAIC China World Artificial Intelligence Conference Spotlights Global AI Governance Push
China has put forward a proposal for international cooperation on artificial intelligence governance, just days after the United States revealed its own plan focused on maintaining US leadership in the AI sector—a critical issue amid ongoing trade discussions between the two nations.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang outlined China’s vision for global AI oversight during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), held in Shanghai and attended by technology leaders from over 40 countries.
In his address, Li highlighted the fragmented nature of global AI governance and the stark differences in regulatory approaches among countries. He emphasized the need for enhanced coordination to develop a unified global framework that enjoys broad consensus.
Li’s remarks followed the Trump administration’s announcement of a 28-page AI action plan, aimed at reducing bureaucratic obstacles and bolstering US dominance in the sector. While Li avoided direct reference to the US, he pointed to the concentration of key resources and capabilities in a handful of nations and firms, warning against monopolies, controls, and restrictions that could limit AI’s benefits to a select few.
AI chips have become a significant bargaining tool in trade talks between the US and China, including a recent meeting in Stockholm. Both countries made concessions prior to the talks, with the US lifting a ban on certain Nvidia AI chip sales to China and Beijing halting an antitrust investigation into US chemical giant DuPont. Trump, speaking from Scotland, suggested that a deal is close, with a current deadline of August 12.
China’s AI ambitions are clear, boasting over 5,000 AI companies and a core AI sector valued at 600 billion yuan (US$84 billion) as of April 2025. This growth has been driven by massive public and private investment. Between 2013 and 2023, Chinese state venture funds poured an estimated US$209 billion into AI businesses, and public sector AI spending in 2025 alone is projected to reach 400 billion yuan (US$56 billion).
Although the US remains ahead, with US private AI investment totaling US$109.1 billion in 2024 (compared to China’s US$9.3 billion), China has surpassed all countries in the number of annual patents for generative AI since 2017, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization.
This intense investment is closing the gap. Earlier this year, Chinese startup DeepSeek’s R1 model outperformed those from Meta and Anthropic and was reportedly developed for just US$5.6 million—far less than ChatGPT (over US$100 million) or Gemini (almost US$200 million). More recently, Moonshot’s Kimi K2 model has gained attention for its performance and cost, surpassing some offerings from Google and OpenAI.
According to Morgan Stanley, China’s AI market could reach profitability within a few years, with a projected 52% return on investment by 2030.
Regional and global leaders are also calling for international cooperation. ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn warned of risks like misinformation and cybersecurity threats, urging coordinated global action to ensure AI supports societal good. He noted that AI could boost ASEAN’s digital economy and increase GDP by 10–18%.
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, speaking at WAIC, called for US-China cooperation, stressing the need to maintain global stability and ensure human oversight of AI technologies. Other experts included AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton and French AI envoy Anne Bouverot.
The WAIC, initiated by the Artificial Intelligence International Institute in Singapore, has taken place in Shanghai since 2018, serving as a stage for China to present its tech advancements to a global audience.
This year, over 800 companies attended WAIC 2025, with major Chinese firms like Tencent, Alibaba, Keenon Robotics (SoftBank-backed), and Unitree, alongside international names such as Tesla, Alphabet, and Amazon. The event featured more than 3,000 exhibits and over 100 new product launches—including new AI models from Tencent and SenseTime, Alibaba’s debut smart glasses, Keenon Robotics’ popcorn-serving robots, and ZTE’s “pet” robots.
Other highlights included Unitree’s G1 boxing robot, China Mobile’s dancing robot dogs, and PsiBot’s mahjong-playing humanoid, capturing the imagination of attendees and social media alike.
More info here – Have a Story? Address it to the Editor and submit it here
Featured image source: South China Morning Post
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and from publicly available sources. While we strive for accuracy, we do not make any representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness, reliability, or validity of the content. This article does not make any direct claims about specific companies, individuals, or organizations. Any references to reports or external sources are for context and do not imply endorsement or verification of any specific allegations. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and seek professional advice before making business decisions. We disclaim any liability for any losses or damages incurred as a result of reliance on the information provided.