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The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit convened global leaders, technology executives, and top researchers in Paris on Tuesday for formal discussions on AI governance and regulation. Participants sought common ground on the rapidly evolving AI landscape despite differences in regulatory approaches.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-hosted the summit, which aimed to promote cooperation on AI development and oversight. Vice Premier of the State Council Zhang Guoqing, representing President Xi Jinping, emphasized in a speech that AI is a key driver of scientific and industrial transformation. Zhang underscored China’s commitment to responsible AI governance and international collaboration, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Global Commitments and Divisions
China, France, Germany, and India were among 61 signatories of a joint statement prioritizing AI that is “open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure, and trustworthy.” The agreement also emphasized reducing digital divides, ensuring AI accessibility, and making AI development sustainable for people and the planet, as reported by the BBC.
However, the United States and Britain did not sign the Paris AI Summit’s declaration, titled the “Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence,” per Reuters. Neither country immediately provided reasons for abstaining, according to The Guardian.
At the summit, Modi advocated for “collective, global efforts to establish governance and standards that uphold our shared values, address risks, and build trust,” according to CNA. In contrast, U.S. Vice President JD Vance cautioned that “excessive regulation… could kill a transformative sector just as it’s taking off,” per CNA. French President Macron, however, pushed back, asserting the “need for rules” to govern AI, as noted by AFP.
China’s Role and Perspectives
Amid global focus on China’s AI advancements, the China AI Safety and Development Association (CNAISDA) hosted a side event titled Progress in AI Technology and Its Application. The event highlighted China’s developments in AI, governance measures, and its vision for international cooperation.
Professor Shen Yi of Fudan University told the Global Times that leveraging comparative advantages and fostering technological collaboration among nations would be the optimal approach. However, he noted that hegemonic attitudes remain a significant barrier to AI development and cooperation.
Zhang Linghan, a Chinese expert on the High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence and a professor at China University of Political Science and Law, argued that Chinese technology should be treated fairly. She stated that accusations against Chinese tech firms stem from biases against China’s growth and development.
Zhang further emphasized China’s stance on AI governance, advocating for increased representation of developing countries in global AI policymaking. She called for equal opportunities and fair regulations, as well as international cooperation to bridge intelligence and governance gaps.
AI as a Tool for Equitable Development
China envisions AI playing a fundamental role in shaping new productive forces, with benefits equitably distributed across societies. Shen stressed that ensuring equal access to AI between nations and social groups is essential to preventing wealth inequality and avoiding scenarios where AI consolidates power among technological elites.
By fostering inclusive AI policies, global leaders can prevent AI from “consuming” human opportunities, reinforcing monopolistic control, and undermining global security and development, Shen added.