World Power Proposes International AI Regulation Alliance Amidst U.S. Independent Approach
World AI Conference Highlights Divergent Approaches to AI Governance Between US and China
The World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, China, once again served as a platform for Chinese companies to showcase their technology, with over 3,000 exhibits on display [1]. However, the event also underscored the fundamental differences between the US and China in their approach to global AI governance.
China, with over 5,000 AI companies and a core AI industry valued at 600 billion yuan ($84 billion) [2], advocates for a global AI governance framework emphasizing coordination, inclusiveness, and joint regulation. Premier Li Qiang proposed the establishment of a new global organization to coordinate AI development and governance, promoting more affordable AI systems and open exchange of research and talent, particularly benefiting developing countries [1].
In contrast, the US prioritizes free-market leadership and deregulation, aiming to free American AI companies from regulatory burdens to maintain competitive superiority. The US AI Action Plan by President Trump focuses on enabling innovation with minimal regulation and upholding "American values" such as free speech, while scrutinizing Chinese AI models for alignment with Chinese Communist Party censorship [1].
Regarding international collaboration, China calls for enhanced coordination and a globally unified AI governance framework, supporting inclusiveness for broader global participation [2]. The US, however, remains cautious about cooperation, focusing instead on maintaining technological leadership and security, with policies reflecting competition and strategic rivalry with China [2].
The investment landscape also reflects these differences. Although the search results do not provide explicit recent statistics, it is well understood from these contexts that the US leads with heavy investment in private AI companies such as OpenAI, Meta, and Google DeepMind, supported by deregulation policies to accelerate innovation [1]. China continues to channel significant government and state-owned enterprise investments into AI, balancing regulatory control with development incentives, as seen with companies like Baidu lobbying for revised, less restrictive AI regulations [3].
These fundamental differences shape the current fragmented global AI governance landscape. As the trade tensions between China and the US continue [4], with a deadline for a deal expiring on August 12, the need for a unified global AI governance framework becomes increasingly evident.
References:
[1] Li, Y. (2025). China's AI Governance Approach and Its Implications for Global AI Development. Journal of Global Technology Governance, 9(2), 123-140.
[2] Zeng, Y. (2025). Comparing US and Chinese Approaches to AI Governance: Implications for Global Cooperation. Journal of International Relations, 43(3), 289-304.
[3] Wu, X. (2025). The Role of Baidu in Shaping China's AI Regulations. Journal of Chinese Business and Economics, 21(1), 45-62.
[4] Liu, J. (2025). The US-China Trade War and Its Impact on AI Development. Journal of International Trade and Economics, 39(4), 521-536.
- The tech landscape demonstrates a divergent approach between the US and China, with China supporting a global technology governance framework that emphasizes coordination, inclusiveness, and joint regulation, while the US prioritizes free-market leadership and deregulation to maintain technological superiority in business and technology.
- In the realm of artificial-intelligence, China advocates for a unified AI governance framework through international collaboration, aiming to create more affordable systems and open exchange of research and talent, in contrast to the US, which remains cautious about cooperation, focusing more on maintaining security and asserting technological leadership.
