China proposes global cooperation initiative for AI agents
China’s internet regulator has proposed an international initiative covering common standards, infrastructure, data protection and safety measures for software systems that can act independently or on behalf of users.
The Cyberspace Administration of China and other organisations proposed the Global Cooperation Initiative on Mutual Trust, Interconnection and Interoperability of Intelligent Agents on 17 July 2026.
The initiative was presented at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence in Shanghai.
AI agents are software systems designed to carry out tasks, make decisions or interact with other systems with limited direct supervision. The initiative seeks to make it easier for agents developed by different organisations and countries to communicate and work together.
It calls for international cooperation on identification methods, technical interfaces, communication rules and common standards. It also proposes shared infrastructure that would allow different systems to connect without being tied to a single company or platform.
The document encourages the use of these systems in scientific research, industry, public services and responses to issues such as climate change, public health, education and poverty.
It also calls for safeguards covering the design, deployment and operation of AI agents. These include cybersecurity measures, ethical requirements, protection of human dignity and clearer rules for the cross-border transfer of data.
The initiative proposes technical, financial and training support for developing countries. It also calls for greater participation by smaller companies, researchers, open-source communities and groups that may face barriers to using new technologies.
The proposal is an international cooperation initiative rather than a binding agreement. It invites governments, companies, research institutions and other interested parties to participate in developing the proposed standards and systems.
