China releases action plan on international AI ethics governance
China has released an action plan calling for stronger international cooperation on AI ethics, risk management and governance capacity-building.
An action plan on international artificial intelligence ethics governance was released on 17 July 2026 at the World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai. The plan was developed under the joint guidance of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other relevant parties.
The document was formulated within the framework of the UN Pact for the Future and its annex, the Global Digital Compact. It calls on countries to develop governance approaches suited to their national circumstances.
Its priorities include ethical oversight throughout the AI lifecycle, risk-based regulation, adaptable governance mechanisms and cooperation across AI industry supply chains.
The plan also promotes international policy coordination, practical cooperation and governance capacity-building, particularly with developing countries. China’s industry ministry said it would work with international organisations to support implementation.
Other measures include clarifying the responsibilities of actors involved in AI development and deployment, and supporting research and open-source technologies related to explainability, privacy protection and bias reduction.
The plan further calls for AI ethics education to be incorporated into China’s national education system and for additional safeguards for women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and other groups in vulnerable situations.
