SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Chinese Prime Minister Tian on Saturday called on to establish an organisation to promote global cooperation on artificial intelligence and to coordinate the development and security of rapidly evolving technologies.
With the launch of the annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Li called AI a new engine for growth, but governance is fragmented and emphasizes the need for national coordination to form a globally recognized framework for AI.
The three-day event brings together industry leaders and policymakers to emerge as the main battlefield at the point where escalates the technological competition between China and the US (the two largest economies in the world).
“Today, overall global AI governance is still fragmented. Countries are particularly different in terms of areas such as regulatory concepts, institutional regulations, and more,” Li said.
“We need to strengthen our coordination to form a global AI governance framework with wide consensus as soon as possible,” he said.
Washington has imposed export restrictions on China on advanced technologies, including the highest-end AI chips created by companies such as NVIDIA and chip-making equipment, citing concerns that the technology could boost China's military capabilities.
Despite these restrictions, China continues its AI breakthrough after being scrutinized by US officials.
Li didn't name the US in her speech, but warned that AI could become a “exclusive game” for a small number of countries and businesses, with challenges including insufficient supply of AI chips and restrictions on talent exchange.
China wanted to share its development experience and products with other countries, particularly the Global South, Li said.
WAIC is an annual government sponsored event in Shanghai and usually attracts players, government officials, researchers and investors from major industry.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has been appearing regularly at both in-person and via video opening ceremonies for the past few years, has not spoken this year.
In addition to the forum, the conference will also host an exhibition where companies demonstrate the latest innovations.
Over 800 companies have participated this year, and organizers showcase more than 3,000 high-tech products, 40 major language models, 50 AI-driven devices and 60 intelligent robots.
The exhibition features Chinese companies such as high-tech giants Huawei and Alibaba, as well as startups such as humanoid robot maker Unitree. Western participants include Tesla, the Alphabet and Amazon.
(Reporting by Brenda Goh; Written by Liz Lee, Edited by Jacqueline Wong, William Mallard, and Tom Hogue)
