From Consensus to Action: China's Leading Role in Global AI Governance

Abstract

The 2026 World AI Conference once again focuses global attention on the core issue of AI governance. As AI technology accelerates, balancing innovation and safety while building a widely accepted governance framework has become a key challenge for the international community. This conference released the International AI Ethical Governance Action Plan and other outcomes, marking a shift from conceptual consensus to pragmatic action in global AI governance. China plays an increasingly important role in this process.

Introduction

The rapid development of AI is profoundly transforming every aspect of human society. From healthcare to finance, from smart manufacturing to smart cities, the application boundaries of AI continue to expand, bringing both opportunities and challenges. Against this backdrop, balancing innovation and safety and establishing governance rules acceptable to all parties have become the core topics of this World AI Conference. As a major force in global AI development, China's valuable experience in promoting safe technology applications and improving regulatory rules offers important references for global AI governance.

From Conceptual Consensus to Pragmatic Action

The International AI Ethical Governance Action Plan released at this conference marks a new stage in global AI governance. Previously, while countries had reached some consensus on AI risk control and ethical frameworks, translating that consensus into actionable plans remained a challenge. This action plan provides a clear roadmap for countries, driving the shift from "discussing consensus" to "taking action."

This shift reflects the deepening understanding of AI governance within the international community. As experts noted, AI governance cannot remain at the principle level; it requires specific institutional arrangements, technical standards, and practical pathways. China's experience shows that only by translating ethical concepts into concrete rules can true effective governance be achieved.

Contributions and Insights from China's Approach

Mark Nitzberg, Executive Director of the Center for Human-Compatible AI at UC Berkeley, stated clearly at the conference: "China has already made important contributions to global AI governance. Some regulatory provisions were first adopted in China and later referenced by other regions." He revealed that his team regularly meets with the drafters of Chinese regulatory provisions and regards them as examples.

The international influence of China's AI governance practices lies in its pioneering and pragmatic approach. Early in AI development, China recognized that governance cannot lag behind technological progress, and began exploring institutional frameworks from multiple dimensions such as data security, algorithmic fairness, and privacy protection. This forward-looking governance thinking provides useful reference for other countries.

Notably, China's governance approach is open rather than closed. China actively explores coordination with international rules and promotes mutual recognition between domestic and international standards. This open and inclusive attitude makes China's experience more universal and replicable.

China's Role in Standardization Cooperation

Standards are fundamental tools for promoting global AI governance. During this conference, participants affirmed the important role of China in international standard-setting. Harlesleben, Chair of CEN-CENELEC, the core European AI standardization body, pointed out: "Standardization is international. While different regions have their own characteristics, China is clearly an important participant. Chinese experts serve as leaders in multiple working groups and undertake editing of standard projects."

This reflects China's deep integration into the global AI governance system. By participating in international standardization organizations, China brings local experience into international standard development and helps build consensus and enhance collaboration among parties. Standard-setting is never a zero-sum game. China contributes Chinese wisdom to global AI governance by promoting a fairer and more effective standard system with a responsible attitude.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Capacity Building and Global Support

AI governance requires not only rules and standards but also capacity building. Developing countries generally face challenges such as insufficient resources and talent in AI development and governance. At this conference, China announced that it will provide 5,000 AI-themed training opportunities for developing countries in the next five years, a move widely praised by attendees.

Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO's East Asia Regional Office, noted: "The initiative announced by President Xi Jinping will play an important role in this regard." He emphasized that while UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of AI has established ethical principles, countries still need to strengthen capacity building to incorporate these principles into their national legal systems.

China's commitment demonstrates the responsibility of a major country. The fairness of technology governance depends not only on the completeness of rules but also on the capacity of parties to implement them. Training to help developing countries improve AI governance capacity essentially lays the foundation for a fairer and more inclusive global governance order.

Conclusion

This World AI Conference shows that global AI governance is entering a new phase from consensus to action. Whether through the release of the International AI Ethical Governance Action Plan or China's active contributions in standard-setting and capacity building, global AI governance is shifting from "what to discuss" to "how to act." In this process, China, with its pioneering exploration, open cooperation, and focus on practical results, provides referenceable experience and actionable pathways for global AI governance. In the future, as cooperation among countries deepens, building a more inclusive and enforceable global AI governance framework will no longer be just a vision but a concrete action.