As a leading AI superpower, China’s approach to AI governance has significant implications for international AI governance. Despite its importance, research into China’s AI industry and governance approach remains scarce. Further work that translates a deep understanding of Chinese AI development and governance into ambitious yet pragmatic solutions remains scarcer still.
The dual forces of cooperation and competition characterise the relationship between China and the West on AI. On one hand, progress in AI across both China and the West has been fuelled by the free exchange of ideas through academic collaboration. On the other hand, the dual-use nature of AI and its strategic significance have produced increasingly competitive and restrictive policies such as export controls on advanced semiconductors.
The Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative’s China AI Governance sub-group aims to understand and explain China’s AI industry as well as its approach to governance, both domestically and internationally.
This work will include characterising key dimensions of China’s AI industry and governance approaches, understanding areas of similarity and difference between Western and Chinese policies, as well as exploring areas of potential cooperation and joint agreement between governments and corporate actors. This work will then be used to support decision-makers from both government and civil society in formulating international engagement strategies, and convening official and unofficial dialogues with Chinese actors.
