• China's Premier Li Qiang proposed a global framework for AI cooperation at the World AI Conference.
• The proposal comes amidst escalating tech competition with the US.
• Li warned of the fragmentation in global AI governance, calling for a consensus.
• China aims to share its AI advancements, especially with developing nations.
• Li emphasized balancing AI development with security risks.

At the recent World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, China's Premier Li Qiang proposed the establishment of a global organisation to enhance cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, aiming to reverse the "fragmented trend" in AI governance. Li emphasized that current regulatory frameworks are diverse across nations and called for enhanced coordination to develop a universally accepted governance structure for AI at an early date, stating, "Overall, global AI governance is still fragmented. Countries have great differences" according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

During his keynote address, Li noted the increasing tech rivalry with the United States and mentioned that China is prepared to share its experiences and advancements in AI with developing countries, particularly in the Global South. He asserted that by promoting open-source development and collaboration, more nations can benefit from AI technology, thus preventing it from becoming the domain of only a few countries and companies controlling substantial resources. The urgency of his call for a collaborative approach coincides with the US unveiling an aggressive AI action plan aimed at reducing regulations that could potentially hinder private sector development, according to Dawn and Business Insider.

Li also highlighted the critical challenges facing AI development, including a lack of computing power, supply chain bottlenecks for AI chips, and ethical concerns surrounding its implementation. He warned that if nations engage in monopolistic practices, AI could very well become "the preserve of a few countries and a few enterprises." He reiterated the need for a balanced approach to AI development and security, suggesting that global consensus is essential to address these dual concerns effectively, as reported by South China Morning Post and Dawn.

Geoffrey Hinton, a prominent AI scientist, echoed the necessity for international cooperation on AI governance during the conference. He expressed concerns regarding divergent national policies pertaining to misinformation and ethical standards, stating that finding common ground is imperative for successfully regulating AI. Hinton suggested that collaboration on this issue should be feasible as it should be a universal priority for humanity to maintain control over AI advancements, emphasizing the potential risks of uncontrolled AI development as outlined by Business Insider.