China has presented an Action Plan for Global Artificial Intelligence Governance during the 2025 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, which took place in Shanghai from 26 to 28 July.

Held under the theme “Global Solidarity in the AI Era,” the event gathered more than 1,200 participants, including industry leaders, Government officials, researchers and investors from 30 countries.

The newly introduced Action Plan invites Governments, international organisations, businesses and research institutions to deepen cooperation through cross-border exchanges and open-source initiatives. Chinese officials stressed the growing role of artificial intelligence in transforming economic models, public governance and everyday life, describing AI as integral to the future of humanity and the evolution of civilisation.

Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua indicated that the Plan demonstrates China’s support for multilateral cooperation and inclusive technological development. He noted its relevance for countries in the Global South and its focus on addressing inequality in digital and AI access.

The Plan identifies artificial intelligence as a driver of both scientific progress and industrial transformation, with benefits that can only be realised through collective international engagement. It calls on all stakeholders to align their actions with the principles set out in the United Nations Pact for the Future and its annex, the Global Digital Compact.

Structured around thirteen areas of action, the document opens by encouraging inclusive involvement in building digital infrastructure and promoting global uptake of AI technologies. It links these efforts to the objectives of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the need to address shared global challenges.

Innovation is positioned as a priority, with the Plan urging international cooperation to reduce technological barriers and open up opportunities for practical applications of AI. Support for research collaboration and knowledge exchange features prominently throughout the proposals.

The Plan also advocates for the application of AI across sectors including healthcare, education, transport, agriculture and urban development. It highlights the role of intelligent infrastructure and scenario-driven deployment in areas such as smart cities and autonomous vehicles.

Improving digital infrastructure remains a central focus, with calls for the expansion of clean energy-powered networks, data centres, and computing systems. Specific reference is made to support for the Global South, promoting AI solutions tailored to the needs and conditions of developing nations.

The creation of an open and inclusive AI ecosystem is seen as dependent on cooperation among Governments, industry, and academia. Proposals include the development of secure cross-border open-source platforms, technical documentation, and interoperability among AI tools and products to ensure wider access and avoid duplication of efforts.

Data quality is presented as essential to the progress of artificial intelligence. The Plan recommends frameworks to enable the lawful and structured flow of data across borders, while also calling for stronger protection of privacy and efforts to eliminate bias in data sets. Cultural and informational diversity is identified as critical to the future development of AI systems.

Environmental considerations are also addressed. The Plan supports sustainable development models for AI and the establishment of standards governing energy and water use. It encourages investment in green computing technologies, including low-power chips and efficient algorithms, and promotes the use of AI in biodiversity preservation and climate response.

On technical norms, the Plan highlights the importance of international dialogue between standard-setting bodies, including the ITU, ISO and IEC. Industry participation is encouraged to help shape frameworks that balance technological advancement with ethical principles and risk mitigation.

Public sector institutions are called upon to lead in the responsible deployment of AI. This includes integrating AI into services such as healthcare and education, conducting regular safety assessments, and maintaining strong data protection practices. Respect for intellectual property is also emphasised.

AI safety and risk management are given considerable attention. The Plan outlines the need for testing systems, emergency protocols, and increased transparency in model design and data handling. It also promotes traceability mechanisms to counter misuse and calls for collaborative approaches to improving AI security.

The document reiterates support for the UN’s Global Digital Compact and its aims to narrow the digital divide and promote a fair, lawful global digital governance system. It encourages the launch of proposed UN bodies such as the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

Capacity building in AI is also prioritised, with the Plan urging developed nations to partner with developing countries through infrastructure initiatives, shared research facilities, and education programmes. Strengthening AI literacy among the general public, with particular attention to women and children, is described as essential to inclusive progress.