AI+ initiative a blueprint for international cooperation

Editor's note: Chinese Premier Li Qiang unveiled the AI+ International Cooperation Initiative at a high-level meeting on the Global Development Initiative in New York on Tuesday. Liang Zheng, vice-dean of the Institute for AI International Governance at Tsinghua University, shared his views on the significance of the initiative and its possible influence with China Daily. Below are excerpts from the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

Artificial intelligence has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping economies, societies and technologies worldwide. Recognizing its potential, China has proposed the AI+ International Cooperation Initiative to guide AI development toward inclusivity and sustainability, particularly supporting Global South countries. The initiative exemplifies how China seeks to contribute global public goods in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

At its heart, the initiative underscores that AI must serve humanity and promote social welfare. China's domestic AI+ design has already mapped out scenarios where AI empowers high-quality development across sectors. Drawing on these experiences, China is ready to share insights and practices with the international community, reinforcing the notion that responsible AI governance is both a national and global imperative.

To translate this vision into action, the AI+ International Cooperation Initiative highlights several interconnected priorities. Enhancing public well-being remains fundamental: AI applications in education and healthcare can bridge the digital divide, reduce inequality and strengthen human capital. Closely linked to this is the pursuit of technological advancement. AI, particularly advanced generative models, should remain a shared resource, fostering collaborative research and enabling global breakthroughs in knowledge.

The initiative also emphasizes industrial applications, ensuring AI is not only innovative but scalable, affordable and capable of enhancing productivity across sectors. China's rich domestic experience provides practical reference for other countries to accelerate AI-driven industrial growth.

At the same time, cultural prosperity must be safeguarded. Many AI systems are currently trained on English-language data, creating imbalances in representation. International cooperation can encourage AI applications that respect different languages, traditions and cultural contexts, promoting inclusive and equitable development.

Finally, cultivation of talent underpins all these efforts. Human expertise is the decisive factor in AI advancement. But global talent is unevenly distributed. Strengthening international cooperation in training and knowledge exchange is essential for equitable and sustainable progress, particularly for developing countries.

By linking these priorities, the initiative addresses both technological opportunities and governance challenges. It aligns with the Global Digital Compact, the Pact of the Future and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, demonstrating how AI can be harnessed safely, inclusively and in a sustainable manner.

Ultimately, the AI+ International Cooperation Initiative enriches the global AI ecosystem by promoting both innovation and real-world application. Past industrial revolutions succeeded not merely through invention but through the widespread adoption of new technologies. Similarly, AI's transformative potential lies in its integration with human welfare, productivity and societal development.

In this light, the initiative is more than a policy proposal — it is a public good reflecting China's responsible role in global governance. Through collaboration rooted in mutual respect and win-win principles, China aims to foster a future where AI contributes to shared prosperity and a brighter future for humanity.