China proposes global AI body, urges chip supply and talent flow boost

Key Concepts:

• World AI Corporation Organization: A proposed international body for AI governance.
• AI plus strategy: Beijing's plan to integrate AI across various industries.
• Bottlenecks in chip supply and talent exchange: Restrictions hindering AI development.
• Global AI governance action plan: An international initiative for responsible AI development.
• AI-powered early warning system for natural hazards: Using AI to predict and mitigate natural disasters.
• International open-source AI cooperation initiative: Collaborative effort to develop AI technologies.
• AI innovation roadmap 2030: China's plan to become a global AI innovation center by 2030.

Li Chiang's Proposal and Key Arguments:

Chinese Premier Li Chiang proposed the establishment of a "world artificial intelligence corporation organization" to coordinate the governance of AI technology. This proposal was made at the opening of the World AI Conference in Shanghai. Li Chiang emphasized the need for global cooperation in AI development, warning against AI becoming an "exclusive game for a few countries and companies." He specifically called for "breaking through constraints on chip supply and talent exchange," implicitly referencing US restrictions on China's access to advanced technologies.

Global Initiatives Launched:

Following Li Chiang's speech, several global initiatives were officially launched, demonstrating China's commitment to international collaboration in AI. These included:

• Sharing of an "AI-powered early warning system for natural hazards," indicating a practical application of AI for global benefit.
• A "global AI governance action plan," suggesting a framework for responsible and ethical AI development.
• An "international open-source AI cooperation initiative," promoting collaborative development and sharing of AI technologies.

World AI Conference Exhibition and "AI plus" Strategy:

The World AI Conference featured over 800 companies showcasing thousands of AI products and technologies. A recurring theme was the deployment of AI, aligning with Beijing's "AI plus strategy," which aims to integrate AI across various sectors. SenseTime, a Chinese AI company, presented "AI-powered office productivity products" as an example of this integration. The exhibition occupied an area equivalent to "10 soccer fields," highlighting the scale of China's AI industry.

Challenges in AI Development:

SenseTime identified four key challenges in AI development:

1. "Infrastructures because building AI requires tons of GPUs for sure."
2. "Top talents. You definitely need top talents to build a strong AI."
3. "Innovation. You need innovation in algorithms to keep competing in the battlefield."
4. "To find a way to make money in different industries."

These challenges underscore the complexities of advancing AI technology and its commercial applications.

China's AI Roadmap and Progress:

In 2018, China launched its roadmap to become the world's "premise center for AI innovation by 2030." This roadmap included a "2025 milestone for AI to be a key driver of industrial and economic transformation." While China has made progress in AI adoption, there's a shift towards more "original and basic" research and development. The United States' tightening restrictions on China's AI sector pose a significant challenge to achieving the 2030 goals.

Conclusion:

The World AI Conference highlighted China's ambition to lead in AI innovation and its call for global cooperation. Premier Li Chiang's proposal for a world AI corporation organization and the launch of global initiatives demonstrate China's proactive approach to AI governance. However, challenges such as chip supply restrictions and the need for fundamental research remain significant hurdles in achieving China's AI ambitions by 2030.