Remarks by H.E. Ma Zhaoxu Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs at the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance
Your Excellency Minister Yin Hejun,
Your Excellency Mayor Gong Zheng,
Distinguished Guests,
Friends,
Good afternoon! I am delighted to attend the high-level meeting on global AI governance, and exchange views on the theme “Global Solidarity in the AI Era.”
In 2023, President Xi Jinping put forth the Global AI Governance Initiative, providing a blueprint and direction for global AI governance. The initiative points out that AI has exerted profound influence on socioeconomic development and the progress of human civilization, and brought to the world huge opportunities alongside unpredictable risks and challenges. The governance of AI bears on the future of humanity, and is a common task faced by all countries in the world. At the opening ceremony this morning, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council further elaborated on China’s views, propositions and measures on the development and governance of AI, demonstrating China’s clear-cut attitude and firm commitment to international AI cooperation.
The world today is experiencing great changes unseen in a century. Global governance is at an important crossroads. Unilateralism, hegemonism and protectionism continue to impact the U.N.-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the U.N. Facing the various opportunities and challenges of the AI era, all countries should uphold the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, stay committed to the principles of people-centered approach, AI for good, fairness, inclusiveness and collaborative governance, and work to strengthen global AI governance and international cooperation, so as to ensure common interests, common rights and common responsibilities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
Last year, the U.N. Summit for the Future adopted the Global Digital Compact, and the U.N. General Assembly adopted by consensus the resolution proposed by China entitled “Enhancing International Cooperation on Capacity Building of AI”. Recently, BRICS leaders specifically issued a statement on global AI governance, sending a unified message of the Global South. All this provides us with a good basis to build a broadly agreed global AI governance framework.
As we Chinese often say, actions should match words, and actions speaks louder than words. The Global AI Governance Action Plan released today aims to translate the important consensus of the international community on AI development and governance into concrete actions. Drawing extensively on the useful experience of countries in AI governance, the Action Plan aims at promoting the development and application of AI while ensuring its safety and controllability. It upholds the principles of respect for sovereignty, fairness and inclusiveness, highlights the need to address energy and environmental issues, and calls for international cooperation and collaborative governance. This Action Plan will play a positive role in advancing global AI governance. We thank all countries for their contributions to its adoption.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,
This morning, on behalf of the Chinese government, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council announced the proposal to establish the World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO). This is a significant step by China to practice multilateralism and advance global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. It is also a practical action to respond to the calls of the Global South, help bridge digital and AI divides, and promote the development of AI for good and for all. As an important international public good, we expect WAICO to accomplish the following goals.
First, deepening cooperation on innovation to unleash the AI dividend. China is ready to share the vast opportunities brought by Chinese modernization with countries around the world, build WAICO into a platform connecting supply with demand, break down barriers to transnational flow of production factors, and promote practical cooperation on AI between China and other countries, as well as among all countries, so as to fully unleash the infinite potential of AI and realize common development and common prosperity.
Second, promoting inclusive development to bridge the AI divide. With the platform provided by WAICO, China will continue to promote the implementation of the U.N. General Assembly resolution on “Enhancing International Cooperation on Capacity Building of AI” and the AI Capacity Building Action Plan for Good and for All proposed by China, so as to help Global South countries enhance capacity building and foster an ecosystem for AI innovation, ensure that all developing countries benefit equally from AI advancement, and promote the implementation of the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Third, strengthening collaborative governance to ensure AI for good. China will leverage WAICO to promote connection and coordination of countries’ development strategies, governance rules and technical standards, and on the basis of fully respecting diversified policies and practices of countries, gradually form a broadly agreed global AI governance framework as well as standards and norm, to ensure that AI develops in alignment with the advancement of human civilization.
China’s proposal of the establishment of WAICO is aimed at promoting international cooperation on AI. We are currently considering having its headquarters in Shanghai. Our hope is to leverage the first mover advantage of China, especially Shanghai, in this field, to build international consensus, promote practical cooperation, and make AI truly beneficial to all humanity.
We will firmly uphold the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit and discuss relevant arrangements with countries interested in joining the Organization. We will respect the principle of sovereignty, uphold equality, and support countries in pursuing AI cooperation in light of their respective national conditions. We will follow the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, support the role of the U.N. as the main channel in AI governance, and complement the efforts of the U.N. and its relevant specialized agencies. We will stay firmly committed to an open and inclusive approach, practice true multilateralism, and build greater consensus and advance cooperation through WAICO.
China warmly welcomes the participation of all countries who are sincere and willing in the preparatory work for establishing WAICO and in jointly advancing global AI governance and cooperation.
Thank you.
