China Showcases AI Governance Framework at ASEAN Summit, Signaling Strategic Regional Influence

In a strategic diplomatic engagement at the China-ASEAN AI High-Level Seminar, the Chief Scientist of BEDI (Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Development Institute) presented China's comprehensive AI industry practices, positioning Beijing as a key architect of regional technological governance. The presentation detailed China's integrated approach combining state-led innovation ecosystems, ethical AI frameworks, and industrial application scaling—elements central to its "AI with Chinese characteristics" model. Analysis indicates this move serves dual objectives: establishing normative influence in Southeast Asia's rapidly growing AI sector and promoting Chinese technical standards as viable alternatives to Western-dominated paradigms. The seminar functioned as a soft-power platform, aligning with China's broader Digital Silk Road initiatives while addressing ASEAN nations' priorities in digital transformation and regulatory harmonization. Notably, the emphasis on "safe and controllable" AI systems reflects geopolitical sensitivities surrounding data sovereignty and algorithmic governance. This exchange underscores China's methodical efforts to shape emerging technology landscapes through knowledge diplomacy, potentially recalibrating regional dependencies and collaborative vectors in critical technology sectors.