China Accelerates AI Development to Enhance Collaboration in the Global South

China’s Ambitious AI Development and Global South Cooperation

Beijing has stepped up its efforts in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technology, with a particular focus on enhancing collaborations among countries in the Global South. President Xi Jinping's recent inspection tour in Shanghai is at the forefront of this initiative, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation and international partnerships for sustainable growth.

During his visit, Xi Jinping highlighted the establishment of a new AI incubator known as the "supermarket AI," which debuted in February. This platform aims to provide comprehensive AI resources, computational power backed by the government, and high-quality data sources. The incubator is part of the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, which houses more than 100 companies and spans over 60,000 square meters. It offers an ecosystem conducive to AI development, featuring 18 supportive systems, including technical grants, fundraising networks, and open data platforms.

Xi Jinping urged Shanghai to take the lead in AI development and management, accelerating the creation of a globally influential platform for technological innovation. This call to action came shortly after a specialized meeting regarding AI, where a priority was placed on gaining a competitive edge in this strategic sector.

Strengthening Industry Clusters

The Innovation Center, established in 2023, is among China's first dedicated incubators for large-scale AI models. Its mission is to cultivate a world-class AI industry cluster capable of international competition. To support resident businesses, the center has developed five main functional platforms that handle computing power, open data, evaluation services, financial services, and comprehensive support services. These initiatives aim to bolster text and computation resources, investment funds, and advisory services for companies.

Moreover, the center's commitment to providing first-rate infrastructural support facilitates integration across diverse sectors, from consumer products to finance and entertainment. Xi Jinping noted that the rapid advancements in AI technology have ushered in a phase of explosive growth. He emphasized the need for Shanghai to leverage successful incubation experiences to spearhead AI’s development and management.

By fostering collaboration among businesses across the AI supply chain within a single facility, the center establishes an ideal environment for innovation. This collaborative setting includes essential technology providers, application developers, simulation designers, computational power supporters, and product marketers.

In response to escalating demand for AI talent from domestic enterprises, Xuhui District in Shanghai has rolled out a global talent recruitment program in AI. This includes establishing the West Bund International Talent Hub, aiming to attract a diverse array of talents into the local business ecosystem. This hub also connects with the Shanghai Emerging Industry Young Entrepreneurs Association, which promotes the growth of young entrepreneurial talent in innovation.

Quality Development Through Global South Cooperation

In conjunction with his visit to the AI incubator, President Xi Jinping also stopped by the New Development Bank (NDB). During his time there, he met with President Dilma Rousseff and stated that the broader cooperation among BRICS nations had entered a new phase of quality development. The bank, a multilateral development institution established by BRICS countries, has approved over 100 projects valued at approximately $35 billion by the end of 2023. This facilitates economic growth across member nations while improving the global economic governance system.

Projects range from urban rail systems in India to green wind energy initiatives in Brazil and road projects in China, showcasing the NDB’s effective collaboration model and its role as a prime example of South-South cooperation. Xi Jinping hailed the bank as a pioneering initiative for unity and self-improvement in the Global South, encouraging the NDB to consider the development needs of these nations and provide more quality, low-cost, and sustainable infrastructural financing.

Moreover, Rousseff highlighted the challenges posed by unilateralism and protectionism, asserting that the bank would continue its support for developing countries and emerging markets. The confluence of technological advancements in AI and an emphasis on global cooperation among the Global South underlines China's dedication to fostering sustainable innovation that has a far-reaching impact on global development. The strategic focus on AI development and collaboration is not just a step toward technological supremacy but also a critical narrative in China’s vision of shared prosperity and mutual growth.