FRAMING AI AT THE UN: CHINA’S DISCURSIVE STRATEGY FOR GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

The central feature of China’s discourse on AI in the United Nations from 2024 to 2025 is the deliberate use of normative ambiguity. China’s AI discourse exemplifies flexible norm entrepreneurship, emphasising broad principles that can accommodate diverse political systems and levels of development. This approach limits external scrutiny and preserves room for domestic policy variation. At least in China’s diplomatic language, the country is also positioning itself as the leader of the Global South and promotes an UN-centric, inclusive, multilateral style of AI governance. AI discourse is most frequently linked to development and governance, and AI is mentioned either as a development enabler and equaliser or in the context of rulemaking. The entire CAA Paper is available here.