China released an action plan on international AI ethics governance at the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai on Friday.

Designed with the global public interest in mind, the plan was released under the joint guidance of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and relevant parties, and framed within the United Nations Pact for the Future and its Global Digital Compact annex.

It calls on countries to take steps based on their domestic realities in areas including: ethical governance throughout the AI lifecycle, categorized and tiered risk prevention and control, the development of agile governance mechanisms, the cultivation of a collaborative ecosystem across industrial chains and the fostering of a favorable social environment.

The plan also calls for stronger policy coordination and practical cooperation under the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.

The ministry will work with international organizations to advance the implementation of the plan, deepen multilateral cooperation and promote dialogue and collaboration among governments, industry and academia.

Efforts will also aim to make governance capacity-building more inclusive and accessible, with a focus on cooperation with developing countries and to foster a sound governance ecosystem.

Stakeholders across industrial chains will be encouraged to clarify responsibilities. The research, development, open-source release and sharing of technologies for explainability, privacy protection and bias mitigation will also be promoted.

The ministry will integrate science and technology ethics education into the national curriculum, safeguard the rights and interests of vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities, and bridge the digital divide.

(With input from Xinhua)