China released a 13-point global artificial intelligence (AI) action plan on Saturday during the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, which Beijing framed as a call for inclusive international governance and cooperation on AI development, infrastructure and safety. The plan emphasizes shared global standards, cross-border collaboration and responsible innovation, positioning AI as a public good — a term Chinese officials frequently use to appeal to the Global South and contrast their model with U.S.-led frameworks.

The plan promotes open-source ecosystems, energy-efficient computing, ethical safeguards and multilateral dialogue to address AI risks. It also backs two UN-led initiatives — an