(Text by Observer Network, blank space)
This week, the United Nations held several international conferences on artificial intelligence (AI) in Geneva, Switzerland. Representatives from over 190 countries and regions attended these conferences. According to a report by the American newspaper The Christian Science Monitor on the 9th, China participated at a high level and actively engaged in related discussions at these international meetings focused on global AI development. In contrast, senior U.S. officials were rarely present. This stark difference in the two countries' performances in international AI governance led some international conferences to adjust their schedules to be more convenient for China.
Reports indicate that many artificial intelligence products from China were displayed at the event. These included humanoid robots capable of performing martial arts, companion robots, as well as technical applications such as cloud computing and AI office solutions. Chinese officials also attended several events. At the main conference forum, they presented China's concept of “intelligence for good, inclusiveness and shared benefits.” They participated in conferences on AI-enabled development in developing countries and AI healthcare, introducing China's achievements in the field of artificial intelligence.
In contrast, the United States only sent a deputy secretary-level official from the Department of Commerce to the meeting. Among the key guests listed by the United Nations, there were no senior American officials present. Secretary-General António Guterres, along with senior officials from France, Japan, India, and other countries, attended the meeting and gave speeches. Officials from the White House of the United States spoke at a meeting that took place the next day.
June 22, 2026: The Fourth China International Supply Chain Promotion Fair ( “Chain Expo”) opened in Beijing. This year's Chain Expo featured "6 Chains 1 Exhibition Area" and a first-time inclusion of an artificial intelligence specialized zone. IC Photo
The report argues that as artificial intelligence becomes an important topic in global technological competition and international governance, the United States has been noticeably absent from relevant UN meetings. In contrast, China is actively participating in discussions on international rules, and its influence in global AI governance is growing.
The Christian Science Monitor interviewed several diplomats, researchers, and representatives of international organizations. They stated that the United States has significantly weakened its involvement in global AI governance issues in recent years, and many countries have become accustomed to this situation.
"Before I was related to Americans and had some sense of glory. Now, who cares about this." said Lenda Boniuo, founder of the non-governmental organization "Africa Law Center", Kenya.
Reports indicate that even in the daily arrangements of international online meetings, it can be seen that the status of the United States has declined while that of China has risen.
Bonio revealed that in the past, when such meetings were arranged, the time was often adjusted to coincide with the American time zone. Nowadays, more and more meetings are scheduled to times that are more convenient for those in China to attend.
During the meeting, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced the establishment of an international working group on "Trusted AI Agents," aiming to develop international standards for AI agents that have the ability to autonomously plan, make decisions, and execute actions.
Representatives from Chinese companies and the French government both stated that the establishment of artificial intelligence standards requires international cooperation. International Telecommunication Union official Bilel Jameousi revealed that the US government has not yet joined this working group, but it has approved its establishment. It is hoped that in the future, the US government, along with companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic, will participate in related work.
