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In an era where technological evolution is redefining every aspect of our lives, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as the most transformative force of the 21st century. From healthcare and education to manufacturing, agriculture, climate monitoring, and national security, AI has become an indispensable pillar of modern innovation. Recognizing the urgent need to promote inclusive and responsible development of this powerful technology, China has taken a bold and visionary step by proposing the establishment of a Global Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, with its prospective headquarters in Shanghai.

This initiative, still in its early stages but rich with promise, signifies China's commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, and human-centered technological development. It responds directly to the growing call from the Global South to bridge the digital and intelligence divide, ensuring that no nation is left behind in the AI revolution.

At its core, AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. These processes include learning (acquiring information and rules for using it), reasoning (using rules to reach conclusions), and self-correction. AI technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and computer vision are rapidly transforming industries, economies, and societies.

AI's expanding footprint

The adoption of AI is accelerating globally. From intelligent chatbots that assist in customer service to algorithms that predict climate patterns or detect early signs of disease, AI is reshaping how humanity interacts with the world. In agriculture, AI-driven solutions monitor soil quality and optimize crop yields. In finance, algorithms can detect fraud in milliseconds. In disaster management, AI helps predict floods, wildfires, and earthquakes, potentially saving countless lives.

Moreover, AI has played a critical role in fighting pandemics, from tracking virus mutations to managing supply chains for medical supplies and supporting vaccine research. AI's potential in enhancing educational access and improving remote learning is equally notable, especially for underprivileged and remote communities.

But with these unprecedented advantages come equally significant challenges. Without coordinated global efforts, AI risks exacerbating existing inequalities, disrupting labor markets, undermining privacy, and becoming a tool of digital hegemony. Hence, the time to act responsibly and collectively is now.

China's thoughtful approach

China's proposal for a Global AI Cooperation Organization is a proactive and thoughtful response to these emerging challenges. The proposed body aims to function as a platform for inclusive dialogue, collaborative innovation, and practical cooperation among nations. By selecting Shanghai as the proposed headquarters, China intends to utilize its technological prowess and institutional strength in AI to help other nations, especially those from the Global South, catch up and participate actively in the AI-driven global future.

China is already a global leader in AI research, development, and application. From facial recognition systems to large language models, autonomous vehicles to AI-powered healthcare, Chinese companies and research institutions are at the forefront of AI advancement. More importantly, China's approach is deeply rooted in a philosophy of shared prosperity, peaceful development, and non-interference. This makes its AI cooperation initiative inherently inclusive and supportive of common global interests.

By facilitating capacity building, nurturing local innovation ecosystems, and transferring relevant knowledge and skills, China envisions a world where developing countries benefit equally from the fruits of AI. This move also contributes directly to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly goals related to quality education, industry innovation, and reducing inequalities.

The Global South's moment

For decades, the Global South has lagged in technological advancement due to lack of infrastructure, investment, and access. Today, AI presents a chance to leapfrog traditional barriers and achieve new heights of development. However, this will not be possible without global cooperation, knowledge sharing, and the establishment of international norms that prioritize equity, ethics, and sustainability.

The Global AI Cooperation Organization proposed by China can serve as a beacon of hope and a mechanism for empowerment for countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Through this platform, China seeks to work hand in hand with these nations to develop their AI ecosystems in accordance with local realities, cultural sensitivities, and national priorities.

This proposed body would also promote the alignment of governance strategies, development agendas, and technical standards among nations. At the same time, it acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Respect for diversity in governance models and national policies is built into the proposal, demonstrating China's mature and pragmatic diplomatic philosophy.

AI governance for the common good

Perhaps one of the most important components of China's proposal is its emphasis on developing a globally agreed framework for AI governance. As AI systems become increasingly autonomous and influential, questions about ethics, accountability, and safety are paramount. Who is responsible when an AI system causes harm? How can we prevent AI from being weaponized? What safeguards should be in place to ensure data privacy and human dignity?

These are not questions any one country can answer alone. They require global deliberation, mutual understanding, and collective action. China's initiative offers an opportunity to foster consensus on these vital issues, guided by principles of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.

A legislative imperative

As AI continues to influence all dimensions of human society, it becomes imperative to establish legislative and ethical frameworks that can keep pace with its development. International cooperation must extend beyond technological exchange into regulatory harmonization. China's call for cooperation can facilitate the development of international norms that protect users, preserve rights, and guide AI innovation toward socially beneficial goals.

There is growing recognition that unregulated AI could lead to job displacement, algorithmic bias, surveillance misuse, and even autonomous weapons. To prevent such outcomes, the international community must rally around shared values and goals. The proposed organization can serve as the forum where these rules and principles are developed and agreed upon.

A call for optimism and unity

In proposing this global cooperation platform, China is not seeking dominance but partnership. It is not asserting superiority but offering solidarity. This is in line with its broader global vision — a community with a shared future for humanity. It resonates with the ideals of peaceful development, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation that have long defined China's approach to international relations.

At a time when the world faces divisions, distrust, and deep uncertainties, China's call for AI cooperation presents a positive, constructive, and much-needed path forward. It is a call to replace competition with collaboration, suspicion with solidarity, and exclusion with inclusion.

Seizing the opportunity

AI, if governed wisely and distributed equitably, has the power to transform our world for the better. It can lift millions out of poverty, cure diseases, combat climate change, and create new avenues of prosperity. But this will require more than innovation—it will require vision, responsibility, and unity.

China's proposal for a Global Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization is a courageous and commendable step toward building such a future. It reflects the maturity, foresight, and moral leadership that the world urgently needs.

Let us recognize this initiative not just as a Chinese proposal, but as a global opportunity — an opportunity to work together across borders, beliefs, and backgrounds to shape a future where AI serves humanity, not the other way around.

The world must now respond with openness, enthusiasm, and a shared sense of purpose. For in the age of intelligent machines, it is only intelligent cooperation that can truly secure peace, prosperity, and dignity for all.

About the author: Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founding chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance (GSRRA). He is a sinologist and former diplomat. He is also a Researcher at the Global South Economic and Trade Cooperation Research Center and a non-resident fellow of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG). (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).