Xi Jinping proposes global AI governance body

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed creating a global organization to govern AI during the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea.

He said a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization could set governance standards and promote international collaboration.

Xi described AI as key to future development and said it should benefit people worldwide.

Chinese officials have suggested Shanghai as a possible host city.

The US has previously rejected regulating AI through international bodies.

US President Donald Trump did not attend the summit after meeting Xi, where they reached a one-year deal to ease trade and technology controls.

APEC members also approved agreements on AI and ageing populations.

🔗 Source: Reuters

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

The declaration left out Xi’s “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization” 1. Leaders backed the “APEC Artificial Intelligence (AI) Initiative (2026-2030)” with goals in innovation and training, plus sturdier AI infrastructure investment 1. It also seeks efficient technologies 1.
The Initiative will complement specialized international groups and accepts that members use different AI policy approaches 2. It does not create a new governing body 2.
Leaders kept AI work within APEC forums focused on training and sharing information 2. These include the Digital Economy Steering Group (DESG) 2. The Telecommunications and Information Working Group (TELWG) also handles this work 2.

Shanghai plans to bring AI into 3,000 factories and build 10 industry benchmark models by 2027 under its AI + Manufacturing plan 3. These programs would sit alongside any hosting duties 3.
A July 2025 pilot lets foreign-funded game studios use domestic licensing tracks 4. The city plans to test local regulatory perks for qualifying firms 4.
Vendors plus investors that form local entities in Shanghai can seek certification programs and subsidies 3. They can also get pilot access in sectors such as biomedicine, aerospace, and new energy vehicles targeted for AI use 3.