China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, has warned against the formation of geopolitical blocs in artificial intelligence, saying attempts by major powers to preserve technological advantages through monopolies could widen global disparities and undermine security.
Speaking during a UN discussion on artificial intelligence, Fu rejected what he described as efforts to create a “petty us-versus-them clique” in the technology sector in pursuit of “digital hegemony”.
He said such an approach could hamper technological progress, particularly for smaller nations, while increasing the risk that countries develop incompatible AI systems and fragmented technical standards.
That fragmentation, Fu warned, could have implications beyond technology and “thus put global security in serious jeopardy.”
The remarks underscore China’s push for a more cooperative approach to AI governance, with Beijing calling for greater international collaboration, open-source ecosystems and broader participation in technological development.
Fu urged countries to strengthen cooperation and promote open-source ecosystems as part of efforts to advance global scientific and technological development.
He also called on technology companies, particularly major technology firms, to assume greater responsibility for the social consequences of AI.
Businesses should counter the spread of misinformation and hate speech and “subject themselves to regulation by law and oversight by the public,” Fu said.
The Chinese envoy argued that AI governance should accommodate the interests of countries at different levels of technological development rather than allowing access to advanced technology to become concentrated among wealthy nations and populations.
“AI is a shared asset for all humanity, and should not become rich countries’ and rich people’s game,” he said.
Fu highlighted China’s initiative on global AI governance and invited countries to participate in the effort.
His remarks also reflected China’s broader emphasis on international cooperation and the United Nations’ role in shaping the global approach to artificial intelligence. A separate account of the UN discussion records Fu calling for universal benefit and inclusiveness as guiding principles for AI governance and for countries to retain the ability to choose AI products independently.
