China is advancing a comprehensive approach to global AI governance, balancing open-source innovation with safety measures and international cooperation. At the 2026 World AI Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, President Xi Jinping called for a just and equitable system for global AI governance, emphasizing that AI should be people-centered and benefit all of humanity.
Open-Source AI Leadership
China has become a major source of open-source large models, with cumulative downloads exceeding 10 billion. The release of Kimi K3, an open-source model with 2.8 trillion parameters, marks the largest open-source model globally by parameter scale. These models are not only driving domestic demand but also making advanced technologies accessible worldwide through competitive cost-performance ratios.
China has proposed the AI+ International Cooperation Initiative and launched an action plan on AI cooperation and development, covering eight areas including sharing open-source AI ecosystems and promoting coordinated rules and standards. The country also unveiled Fenghe, an open-source large language model, further solidifying its role in open-source AI innovation.
Safety and Risk Management
China emphasizes that AI must remain under human control. The Global AI Governance Initiative includes proposals on risk assessment, classification, and ethical guidelines. China has released versions 1.0 and 2.0 of its AI safety governance framework, integrating safety requirements throughout model development, deployment, and application. The Global AI Governance Action Plan identifies safety and controllability as core principles.
Inclusiveness and Cultural Exchange
China’s approach to AI governance reflects a tradition of inclusiveness and mutual respect. The “Cultural Interactions Engine” connects world cultural heritage sites, serving users in more than 170 countries. At the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the Qwen large language model became the first official AI model in Olympic history. Chinese and Malaysian companies have established an AI multilingual intelligent dubbing and translation center supporting over 130 languages.
Global Cooperation and Development
The World AI Cooperation Organization was established during the 2026 WAIC, with 38 countries as founding members. It is the first intergovernmental international organization dedicated to AI. China has hosted AI capacity-building workshops and launched the Belt and Road Special Cooperation Program on AI Science, Technology and Innovation. Over the next five years, China will provide 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries and establish international AI application cooperation centers with ASEAN, the Arab League, the African Union, and other regional organizations.
China’s AI sector is entering a period of unprecedented development, driven by core technology breakthroughs and a thriving innovation ecosystem. The country remains committed to inclusiveness, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation, working with global partners to address challenges and create a better future for humanity.
