China is rapidly advancing its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, signaling a shift in the global balance of tech leadership. The nation’s strategic approach combines technological innovation, robust governance models, and diplomatic outreach to redefine the future of AI development and its impact on the global economy. This strategic initiative positions China as a formidable contender in the race for AI supremacy, challenging the traditional dominance of Western tech giants.
The Chinese government’s extensive planning and investment in AI, such as the 2017 New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan, have been pivotal in fostering a competitive environment where Chinese tech firms like Z.ai and Moonshot are emerging as key players. These companies are not only pushing the boundaries of AI research but are also challenging the dominance of Western models with innovative breakthroughs. For instance, Z.ai’s release of the GLM-4-Plus model in 2024 and its subsequent GLM-4.5 variant have garnered attention for their performance, which not only matches but surpasses that of leading Western models like GPT-4o and ChatGPT. This progress is further reflected in Moonshot’s Kimi K2 model, which not only outperforms its competitors but does so at a significantly lower cost, undermining the rationale behind Western export controls aimed at curtailing China’s AI growth.
China’s approach to AI is characterized by its emphasis on data as a critical factor of production, alongside open-source collaboration and international cooperation. This vision of AI as a tool for bridging divides and promoting shared development is evident in the nation’s diplomatic initiatives, such as the Global AI Governance Initiative, which was launched in 2023. This initiative establishes principles such as a human-centered approach, respect for national sovereignty, adherence to international law, and equitable sharing of AI benefits, emphasizing open-source collaboration, data security, privacy protection, and consensus-based decision-making to avoid the concentration of AI power in the hands of a few states or corporations.
Additionally, China’s participation in international forums and its role in the United Nations underscore its commitment to shaping global norms and frameworks for AI. The adoption of a China-led resolution on enhancing international AI cooperation by the UN General Assembly, supported by over 140 countries, highlights China’s growing influence in global governance discussions. Furthermore, the establishment of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building, led by China and Zambia, aims to narrow the AI divide and strengthen the UN’s role in global AI governance.
Despite the challenges, such as the need for enhanced computing hardware capabilities and the balancing of state oversight with innovation, China’s sustained efforts indicate a long-term strategy to influence the direction of AI development and its role in global governance. The nation’s vision for AI as a tool for bridging divides rather than deepening them is gaining traction, and its diplomatic outreach and technological advancements suggest that the competition for AI leadership is no longer a foregone conclusion.
Critically, China’s bid to make AI a bridge rather than a barrier offers a compelling path forward in a multipolar world. The rise of models such as GLM-4.5 and Kimi K2 underscores that the AI race is not a one-horse contest, and innovation can thrive outside Silicon Valley’s orbit. As AI becomes a defining factor in economic competitiveness, national security, and global governance, the choices made today will shape the international order for decades. While the United States continues to pursue a strategy grounded in maintaining technological dominance through restriction and exclusion, China’s approach highlights the potential for a more inclusive and collaborative framework in the global AI landscape.