China urges global AI cooperation, not rivalry, ahead of Xi-Trump summit

China's Science and Technology Minister, Yin Hejun, has advocated for global collaboration to navigate the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), as the United States and China grapple with heightened trade and technological tensions ahead of an upcoming summit between their respective leaders. At a G20 Innovation Ministerial Meeting held in the United States, Yin emphasized that the rapid development of AI and other emerging technologies has entered a phase of significant activity, with both potential benefits and obstacles, stating, "There is an urgent need for countries to work together to address them."

The G20 gathering took place from Monday to Tuesday, with Yin's call for international cooperation resonating amid the intensifying rivalry between the world's two largest economies. While the US has imposed restrictions on Chinese tech products, such as advanced drones, robots, and connected power inverters, Beijing has responded by tightening export controls on dual-use drone technology.

Nonetheless, a Citi Research analysis noted that the immediate impact of further restrictions on China's AI exports is unlikely to be significant, as direct trade between the two nations in the sector is already limited. At the G20 ministerial meeting, Yin reiterated Beijing's commitment to prioritizing technological innovation and expanding high-level cooperation in science and technology, with a focus on AI.

China advocates a "people-centred" and "upwards and beneficial" approach to AI development, aiming to promote global capacity-building and help bridge the digital divide for developing nations. The ministerial gathering also shed light on the contrasting perspectives of China and the US on AI governance, with Washington advocating for a minimalistic regulatory approach.

Yin's counterpart, Michael Kratsios, White House Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, cautioned against restrictive regulations, urging countries to adopt the "Carolina Principles" by taking a hands-off stance towards AI regulation. This G20 meeting provided Washington and Beijing with a critical opportunity to engage directly on AI policy, just weeks before President Xi Jinping's planned visit to the US in September.