China Stresses Responsible Collaboration as U.S. and U.K. Abstain from Key Declaration
By Jimmy Xiao
World leaders, tech executives, and researchers convened in Paris this week for the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, aiming to bridge stark divides over the regulation and ethical development of a technology reshaping economies and societies. The two-day summit, co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscored both the urgency of global cooperation and the challenges in achieving consensus.
A declaration titled “Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence,” endorsed by 61 nations including China, France, Germany, and India, called for AI systems to be “open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure, and trustworthy.” The agreement emphasized reducing digital divides and ensuring equitable access to AI advancements. Notably absent from the signatories were the United States and Britain, though neither government immediately clarified their rationale, according to Reuters.
China’s Role in Focus
China, represented by Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing as President Xi Jinping’s special envoy, reiterated its commitment to “responsible participation in global AI cooperation and governance.” In a speech on Monday, Zhang described AI as a “driving force” for technological revolution, urging nations to collaborate on shared frameworks. “China has always approached global AI governance with a highly responsible attitude,” he said, as reported by state media Xinhua.
The summit spotlighted China’s dual role as both a leading AI innovator and a subject of scrutiny. At a side event organized by the China AI Safety and Development Association (CNAISDA), officials showcased the nation’s advancements in AI technology and governance. Zhang Linghan, a Chinese legal expert attending the summit, criticized “biased accusations” against Chinese tech firms, stating that “fair and objective treatment is essential to fostering trust.”
Regulation Debate Intensifies
Divergent views on oversight dominated discussions. U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned against stifling innovation, declaring that “excessive regulation could kill a transformative sector just as it’s taking off.” His remarks, reported by CNA, contrasted with Macron’s insistence on the “need for rules” to mitigate risks posed by advanced AI systems. Modi, meanwhile, advocated for “collective global efforts” to balance innovation with safeguards, reflecting India’s push to position itself as a mediator between competing blocs.
Skepticism and Skeptics
Experts highlighted deeper geopolitical tensions. Shen Yi, a professor at Fudan University, argued that “hegemony remains the biggest obstacle” to equitable AI development. “Cooperation is being blocked by zero-sum mindsets,” he told the Global Times, urging nations to leverage their strengths through “technologically sound collaboration.”
The declaration’s aspirational goals—such as ensuring AI benefits are “distributed equitably” and preventing “new technological oligarchs”—were met with skepticism by some analysts. Critics noted the lack of binding commitments or enforcement mechanisms, raising questions about how ideals would translate into action.
Path Ahead
As the summit concluded, Macron framed the event as a starting point. “What we’ve achieved here is a shared recognition of the stakes,” he said. Yet with major powers still at odds, the path to unified AI governance remains fraught. For now, the Grand Palais’ gilded halls, where leaders posed for a ceremonial photo, stood as a metaphor for the summit itself: a display of unity masking complex fissures beneath.
Caption: President Emmanuel Macron (center) with world leaders at the AI Action Summit in Paris on Tuesday. Credit: AFP/Getty Images
