While the United States debates engagement in international fora and focuses inward, China is quietly building the infrastructure of global artificial intelligence (AI) influence. In July 2024, China secured the adoption of its resolution on AI capacity-building by the United Nations General Assembly, co-sponsored by more than 140 countries. In April, Chinese President Xi Jinping directed his government to “help Global South countries enhance their technological capabilities” and contribute to bridging the global AI divide. By July, China unveiled the Global AI Governance Action Plan to solidify its place as the world’s convener for AI governance. Meanwhile, the U.S. struggles to maintain basic continuity in its international AI engagement, a strategic miscalculation with profound consequences for American influence in the technology that has inevitably set a precedent for breakthroughs defining the 21st century. AI capacity-building encompasses the development of educational programs and training for local researchers, as well as the provision of compute infrastructure such as data centers and cloud services accessible to local institutions. It also includes support for indigenous AI development by local companies, regulatory and institutional frameworks, and technology transfer that builds local capabilities rather than creating dependencies.
Priorities for U.S. Participation in International AI Capacity-Building | Lawfare
