Xi calls for multilateral AI governance to avoid unilateral dominance
Original framing: “China’s Xi says AI ‘should not be a solo performance by a single country’” — Al Jazeera
Historically, dominant powers have used 'international cooperation' as a strategy to expand influence—such as during the Cold War or in the spread of colonial infrastructure. Xi’s call for multilateralism in AI mirrors these patterns, positioning China as a leader in a new era of global tech governance.
Xi’s call for multilateral AI governance reflects a strategic attempt to reframe China’s role in global tech leadership while obscuring its domestic AI practices.
This moment must be understood within the broader context of historical power dynamics, where dominant actors use the language of cooperation to expand influence. Indigenous and non-Western perspectives offer critical insights into ethical AI design that challenge the profit-driven models of the West. To move forward, global AI governance must be inclusive, transparent, and rooted in principles of equity and sustainability. This requires not only institutional reforms but also a cultural shift in how we perceive AI as a reflection of our collective values.