Guests

• Xue Lan, Dean of the International Governance Institute of Tsinghua University
• Tang Shiqi, Dean of the School of International Relations at Peking University
• Song Guoyou, Professor at the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University
• Host: Wu Hao, Editor of the newspaper

Introduction

Currently, the world is undergoing significant changes, and artificial intelligence (AI), as a strategic technology leading a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, is profoundly altering human production and lifestyle. However, the risks and challenges posed by AI have also garnered widespread attention. The international community faces the common task of promoting and improving global governance of AI. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out the importance of a human-centered approach and the need to strengthen AI governance rules within the framework of the United Nations, actively promote green transformation, and help developing countries better integrate into the digital, intelligent, and green trends.

Characteristics and Challenges of Global AI Governance

Host’s Question

In 2025, General Secretary Xi proposed a global governance initiative aimed at building a more just and equitable global governance system. Compared to more mature global governance issues like multilateral trade systems and climate change, what are the characteristics of global AI governance?

Xue Lan’s Response

The characteristics of global AI governance stem from the rapid iteration of AI technology and its far-reaching impacts. The international community is not fully prepared in thought and action to address these challenges. Unlike issues like climate change that reached consensus in a favorable international cooperation atmosphere, AI governance faces complexities from the outset due to geopolitical risks and competition among major powers. Some countries are building barriers in technology development, talent cultivation, and data interconnection, undermining the previously close global research and industrial collaboration network. This competitive landscape weakens the trust necessary for cooperation in AI governance, leading to fragmentation and a lack of effective collaborative mechanisms.

Tang Shiqi’s Insights

AI’s rapid development and inherent uncertainties present two main characteristics:

1. AI is not just an object of decision-making but also participates in it. Its processing capabilities influence decision-making outcomes, raising concerns about the authenticity and objectivity of the information provided by AI systems controlled by powerful companies.
2. The fluidity and virtuality of governance objects make it challenging to establish clear governance anchors, as AI operates in cyberspace and often eludes physical control.

Song Guoyou’s Perspective

Compared to mature governance topics, AI governance has three notable characteristics:

1. Uneven impact across countries, with some feeling significant effects while others may not perceive any.
2. Unpredictable governance paths due to AI’s early development stage, making it difficult to establish clear rules.
3. High sensitivity to technological competition, with AI as a strategic focal point for major power rivalry.

Current Challenges in AI Governance

Host’s Inquiry

China advocates for a community with a shared future for mankind and proposes the Global AI Governance Initiative, inviting various stakeholders to collaboratively promote AI governance. What challenges does the current global governance framework face?

Xue Lan’s Analysis

1. Lack of consensus on key issues, such as recognizing potential risks and defining red lines in AI development, complicates the implementation of the Global AI Governance Initiative.
2. The rapid pace of AI technology often outstrips the formulation of governance rules, creating a persistent governance challenge.
3. Numerous governance mechanisms exist globally, but they lack coordination, leading to a complex web of overlapping and conflicting rules.

Tang Shiqi’s Observations

The rise of technological nationalism prioritizes national security over global public interests, complicating the establishment of a global governance framework. Disparities in data sharing and regulatory authority among nations further hinder cooperation.

Song Guoyou’s View

Three main difficulties arise from the perspectives of governance stakeholders:

1. Unilateralism and protectionism obstruct collaborative governance.
2. Some less developed countries lack urgency to participate in governance due to insufficient awareness of AI’s risks and opportunities.
3. Private sectors are wary of government-led governance frameworks, focusing instead on profit maximization.

Human-Centered and Beneficial AI Governance

Host’s Question

Given the global governance deficit in AI, what governance philosophies should be promoted to align technological development with governance effectiveness?

Xue Lan’s Recommendations

1. A human-centered development approach must prioritize human welfare in AI development.
2. Establish a foundation for equal dialogue in governance, ensuring all countries participate equally in rule-making.
3. Focus on action-oriented governance paths that promote inclusive development and capacity building for developing countries.
4. Create a risk prevention system for collaborative governance of AI safety as a global public good.

Tang Shiqi’s Principles

1. Uphold human dignity and creativity in the age of AI.
2. Promote mutual cooperation to bridge technological gaps and ensure equitable access to AI benefits.
3. Maintain openness and trust to balance national security, economic competition, and collaborative governance.

Song Guoyou’s Governance Concepts

AI governance should embody four principles: openness, inclusivity, equitable benefits, and safety, ensuring that AI development serves humanity’s collective interests.

Establishing a Participatory AI Governance Framework

Host’s Inquiry

China is hosting the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and has proposed an action plan for global AI governance. How can international cooperation overcome geopolitical barriers?

Xue Lan’s Suggestions

1. Support the UN’s role in establishing independent international scientific groups and dialogue mechanisms for AI governance.
2. Encourage bilateral and multilateral dialogues to build trust through open collaboration.
3. Balance technological innovation with risk assessment and data protection through international cooperation.

Song Guoyou’s Insights

1. Collaborate on significant issues related to AI’s risks and public goods.
2. Engage in practical cooperation under existing multilateral mechanisms to build confidence.
3. Promote targeted bilateral and small multilateral cooperation for tangible outcomes.
4. Encourage private sector collaboration to establish a foundation for governance cooperation.

Ensuring Equal Participation of Global South Countries

Host’s Question

How can the global South ensure equal participation in AI governance amid technological divides and insufficient discourse power?

Xue Lan’s Recommendations

Focus on education and technological capacity building in the global South to bridge the AI divide and enhance governance capabilities.

Tang Shiqi’s View

1. Promote collaborative development of global public AI systems accessible to the global South.
2. Ensure fair representation for global South countries in governance rule-making.
3. Integrate cultural and value considerations from global South countries into AI development.

Song Guoyou’s Conclusion

Global South countries must actively pursue self-reliance in governance and capacity building while leveraging multilateral mechanisms to amplify their voices in AI governance.