China to work with others to make global AI body operational

China will work with other founding members to ensure that the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization begins operating as soon as possible, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday.

The agreement establishing the organization was signed in Shanghai on Thursday, with 29 countries becoming founding members.

Lin said the organization's establishment in Shanghai was a major step taken by China in response to the aspirations of the Global South and in collaboration with the international community to advance AI development and governance.

It will become an important milestone in the history of AI development, he said.

China's initiative to establish the organization represents another concrete step toward building a community with a shared future for humanity and implementing the Global Governance Initiative, Lin added.

China is ready to work with all parties to uphold the purposes of the United Nations Charter, follow the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and maintain a people-centered approach, he said.

The parties will strengthen coordination on AI development strategies, governance rules and technical standards, promote international cooperation and global governance in the field, and ensure that AI develops in a beneficial, safe and equitable manner, Lin said.