China proposes reforms on AI, UN and global governance at UN meeting

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for stronger global cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) regulation during a UN meeting in New York on Thursday. Speaking at the Group of Friends on Global Governance, Wang proposed establishing a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization and hosting the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai in July. He stressed the need for safeguards on AI’s military applications and preventing a digital divide, urging the UN to take a central role. Wang also advocated for UN reforms, including enhancing the Security Council’s authority and addressing historical injustices, particularly in Africa. He emphasized fair, inclusive, and transparent governance, with developing and small nations gaining greater influence. The proposals align with China’s broader Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which has gained support from nearly 160 countries since its launch last September. The meeting included representatives from over 60 nations, such as Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Cuba, and Zimbabwe, alongside UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. A joint communique reaffirmed support for multilateralism, equal participation in global governance, and opposition to unilateralism. Wang announced China would host a global governance forum in Hebei’s Xiong’an New Area this autumn, branding it a ‘city of the future.’ Key consensus points included democratizing international relations, upholding the UN Charter, and strengthening solidarity. Wang highlighted China’s prior initiatives—Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI)—as part of a broader push for equitable global governance. The Group of Friends on Global Governance now includes over 60 countries, with branches in New York, Geneva, and Vienna.