China Plans Global AI Governance Body to Challenge US at APEC Summit

At the 2025 APEC summit in South Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the creation of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization aimed at establishing global governance standards and promoting AI as a public good. This initiative, which could be headquartered in Shanghai, reflects China's ambition to lead in AI regulation and offer an alternative to the U.S. approach, which opposes international AI regulatory bodies. Xi emphasized the importance of fair development and shared benefits in AI, linking the proposal to China's broader goals of algorithmic sovereignty and technological self-reliance. Meanwhile, Taiwan's envoy highlighted increased international interest in Taiwan's AI advancements, particularly its semiconductor industry, though Taiwan maintained a low-profile stance with no direct interaction with Xi during the summit. Despite a one-year trade and technology deal reached between President Donald Trump and Xi prior to the summit, significant differences remain over AI governance. The APEC members collectively endorsed broader AI cooperation plans and commitments to green technology circulation, with China set to host the 2026 summit in Shenzhen, a major manufacturing hub.