Xi Jinping Proposes Global AI Governance Body at APEC Summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday advocated for the creation of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization to establish global governance rules for AI, positioning China as a key player in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, Xi stated that such an organization could ensure artificial intelligence serves as a “public good for the international community.” “Artificial intelligence is of great significance for future development and should be made for the benefit of people in all countries and regions,” he said, according to the official Xinhua news agency. Chinese officials have suggested Shanghai as a potential location for the organization. This proposal comes as nations grapple with the ethical and security implications of increasingly powerful AI systems.
The move occurred alongside a bilateral agreement with the United States to partially roll back trade and technology controls, a deal reached during a meeting between Xi and President Donald Trump. While Trump departed the summit early to return to Washington, analysts anticipated Xi would leverage the APEC forum to promote China’s vision for multilateral cooperation in trade and economic development. China is also seeking to bolster its “algorithmic sovereignty” through domestic AI developers like DeepSeek, even as companies like Nvidia remain central to the global AI boom. Xi also urged APEC members to facilitate the “free circulation” of green technologies, an area where China currently holds a dominant position.
APEC members approved a joint declaration and agreements concerning both AI and the challenges presented by aging populations during the summit. China is slated to host the 2026 APEC summit in Shenzhen, a city that has transformed from a fishing village into a major manufacturing hub, specializing in robotics and electric vehicle production. You can learn more about APEC’s role in global trade on their official website.
Chinese officials indicated that further discussions on the proposed AI organization will continue, with a focus on establishing a framework for international collaboration.
