Wang: China's Approach to International AI Governance: Selective Shaping?

Heng Wang (Singapore Management Univ. - Law) has posted China's Approach to International AI Governance: Selective Shaping?. Here's the abstract:

China is rapidly solidifying its position as a key actor in the development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI). Domestically, China is exploring a comprehensive and evolving regulatory framework. Internationally, China has transitioned from a passive recipient of external norms to a proactive norm-shaper, advancing its vision of AI governance through initiatives such as the Global AI Governance Initiative. This contrasts with its earlier accession to the World Trade Organization, when it adapted to pre-existing rules. As a leading AI power, China now influences governance practice at the international level. This paper explores two important but underexplored questions: What is China’s approach to international AI governance? How to understand China’s approach? This paper argues that China pursues a strategy of selective shaping in international AI governance, resulting in a targeted reshaping of global order. By “uploading” China-proposed institutions and norms particularly in areas of strength, China leverages new initiatives and standards to shape the developing landscape of AI governance. Meanwhile, China’s approach also faces challenges such as normative ambiguity.