Chinese vice premier calls for responsible AI global governance

Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang has called for the improvement of global governance on Artificial Intelligence to ensure it replicates "Ali Baba's cave" filled with treasure, rather than "Pandora's box" of uncontrollable risks.

Ding made the remarks on Tuesday in response to questions from Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, at the WEF Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland.

Ding highlighted the dual nature of AI, saying that while it has huge potential for development, it also presents serious risks if not carefully managed.

"It's like driving a car on a high-speed highway; if we don't have control over the brakes system, we can't confidently press the accelerator," Ding said, adding AI development must balance safety with progress.

He warned that if global competition in AI continues without order or regulation, it could lead to a "grey rhino" scenario – a visible but ignored risk with serious consequences.

Ding stressed the need for responsible governance to ensure that AI brings benefits, not disaster, and urged global cooperation under the United Nations to create strong governance frameworks to ensure AI benefits humanity while avoiding risks.

The benefits of technology should be shared, he said. "We aim to bridge the tech gap and avoid allowing innovation to become a game for the rich countries alone."

Ding said China is developing AI to transform the economy for the benefit of the Chinese people, and it will not blindly follow other nations or engage in excessive competition.

China will collaborate with countries from around the world in AI development, especially when it comes to sharing new technologies with countries in the Global South, he added.