China launches AI framework to improve ‘black box’ transparency and raise standards

The initiative underscores Beijing’s growing focus on AI governance, as concerns grow over algorithm bias and data security

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People visit a Metax booth during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 26. Photo: Reuters

Published: 6:00pm, 30 May 2026

China has pledged to improve the accuracy, reliability and transparency of AI through a new national evaluation framework, as policymakers move to establish common standards for assessing the fast-evolving technology.

New guidelines released by the central government said Beijing would create a common yardstick for AI, allowing models, computing power and data quality to be measured and compared under a unified national standard.

The move comes as artificial intelligence plays an increasingly important role in the world’s second-largest economy, both as a driver of growth and a crucial arena of geopolitical competition. But while Beijing has stepped up efforts in recent years to build indigenous AI research capabilities and domestic standards-setting tools, the rapidly evolving technology has fuelled unease.

To address concerns over the “black-box” nature of AI algorithms – where users struggle to understand how models reach their conclusions – the document issued on Thursday by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the National Development and Reform Commission stressed the need to enhance trustworthiness and called for developing tools to improve transparency.

“We will promote the establishment of reliable, safe and trustworthy measurement standards for artificial intelligence, making AI performance measurable, comparable and traceable,” the SAMR said.

The plan would also seek to bridge the “last mile” between laboratory innovation and industrial applications while addressing challenges such as measurement inaccuracies and data scarcity.

China launches AI framework to improve ‘black box’ transparency and raise standards

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The initiative underscores Beijing’s growing focus on AI governance, as concerns grow over algorithm bias and data security

The initiative underscores Beijing’s growing focus on AI governance, as concerns grow over algorithm bias and data security