At the APEC summit in Gyeongju, Chinese President Xi Jinping took centre stage to advance a bold proposal for a global organisation to govern artificial intelligence, signalling China’s ambition to position itself as a leader in international tech governance.
Xi suggested the establishment of a “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation” that would set governance rules and promote collaboration among nations, with artificial intelligence characterised as a “public good for the international community.”
The proposal contrasts sharply with the U.S. position, which has opposed strong international regulation of AI, and comes as U.S. President Donald Trump did not remain for the APEC leaders’ summit, departing after bilateral talks with China
Officials from Beijing say the organisation could be headquartered in Shanghai, further signalling China’s intent to anchor the effort on home soil.
In addition to the AI initiative, Xi used his remarks to urge the circulation of green technologies and to highlight China’s upcoming hosting of the 2026 APEC summit in Shenzhen—a manufacturing and innovation hub.
APEC member economies also adopted a declaration touching on AI governance and demographic challenges, reflecting the broader agenda amid rising technological and geopolitical competition.