China could counter US tech curbs by engaging Global South on AI, analysts say

Meanwhile, America risks being ‘sidelined during a critical period’ as the international norms and rules around the technology are shaped

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China has sought to position itself as a leader on AI governance. Image: Shutterstock

Published: 7:00pm, 20 Jul 2025

China needs to engage and cooperate more effectively with the Global South on AI governance to counter US moves to hobble its technological progress, according to analysts.

They also said that as the US retreated from its leadership role it could be “sidelined during a critical period” as the global norms and rules around artificial intelligence were shaped, while China continued to push forward conversations on governance.

Jiang Yuhao, a researcher with the Institute of Public Policy, an independent think tank under the South China University of Technology, said China could move beyond its great power rivalry with the US by pushing for innovation in cooperation with the Global South.

“By promoting collaborative creation and equitable sharing of advanced technologies, this approach would offer a more effective response to the US strategy of ‘small yard, high fence’ and supply chain decoupling,” he said.

Jiang said China should partner with the Global South to deliver inclusive AI infrastructure, promote tech sharing and fair data access, and co-develop ethical frameworks that addressed diverse regional concerns.

He said while American tech curbs on China might deepen problems in the semiconductor supply chain they could also spur more diverse global cooperation.

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