The world is witnessing a significant shift in the artificial intelligence landscape, with China and the United States emerging as major players. Recently, Chinese Premier Li Qiang unveiled a global action plan to govern artificial intelligence, while the Trump administration introduced its own plan to promote US dominance in the sector. These developments have sparked a new era of competition and cooperation in the global AI race.
Li Qiang emphasized the need for a global AI governance framework that has broad consensus, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in shaping the future of AI. He noted that the current state of global AI governance is fragmented, with significant differences in regulatory concepts and institutional rules. Li’s remarks underscore China’s commitment to playing a leading role in global AI governance.
The Trump administration’s AI action plan aims to remove “bureaucratic red tape” and establish US dominance in the sector. This plan has sparked concerns about the potential for technological monopolies and restrictions. The US has been investing heavily in AI research and development, with private investment in AI reaching $109.1 billion in 2024.
China has been actively promoting its AI ambitions, with over 5,000 AI companies and a core AI industry valued at 600 billion yuan ($84 billion) in April 2025. The country has been investing heavily in AI research and development, with state venture capital firms investing an estimated $209 billion into AI-related businesses between 2013 and 2023. China’s commitment to AI is evident in its publication of over 5,000 patents for generative AI inventions annually, surpassing all other countries combined.
The development of AI requires international cooperation to ensure that its benefits are shared globally and its risks are mitigated. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt emphasized the need for the US and China to work together on AI governance, highlighting the importance of human control over AI tools. Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, also called for robust governance of AI to mitigate potential threats, including misinformation, deepfakes, and cybersecurity threats.
The global AI governance landscape is evolving rapidly, with countries competing and cooperating to shape the future of AI. As the world navigates this complex landscape, it is essential to prioritize international cooperation, innovation, and responsible AI development. The success of global AI governance will depend on the ability of countries to work together, share best practices, and address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.