Belt and road forum: China launches AI framework, urging equal rights and opportunities for all nations

The Global AI Governance Initiative was announced a day after the latest US ban seeking to restrict China’s access to advanced chips and chipmaking tools

China says it opposes countries using AI tech for ‘manipulating public opinion, spreading disinformation, intervening in other countries’ internal affairs’

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China has launched a framework for AI that calls for a ‘people-centred approach’, while urging countries to work together to prevent the misuse of technologies by terrorists and criminal groups. Photo: Reuters

Published: 4:25pm, 18 Oct 2023Updated: 6:08pm, 18 Oct 2023

China proposed a framework for artificial intelligence at the third belt and road forum, on Wednesday calling for “equal rights” on development regardless of a country’s political systems, a day after Washington broadened its restrictions on China’s access to chips.

Without naming the US, the framework – called the Global AI Governance Initiative – was announced following the United States’ latest ban seeking to restrict access to advanced chips and chipmaking tools aimed at curbing China’s technological and military advances.

Amid a deepening rivalry between China and the US, artificial intelligence has emerged as a key arena of competition as both sides seek to establish leadership over setting global rules and standards.

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Security tight in Chinese capital as foreign leaders arrive for Belt and Road Forum in Beijing

Earlier on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping told world leaders at the belt and road forum that China stood ready to boost exchanges with other countries and promote the “healthy, orderly and safe” development of artificial intelligence.

China’s initiative called for countries to uphold mutual respect when developing AI, suggesting that all nations “regardless of their size, strength or social system” should have “equal rights”.

“We oppose drawing ideological lines or forming exclusive groups to obstruct other countries from developing AI,” the plan said.

“We also oppose creating barriers and disrupting the global AI supply chain through technological monopolies and unilateral coercive measures.”

The Chinese government has on multiple occasions accused Washington of forming clubs and alliances to suppress and contain Beijing’s growth.