Chinese President Xi Jinping used the stage of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit this week to deliver a pointed message on the future of artificial intelligence, calling for enhanced multilateral cooperation on AI technologies while firmly rejecting the revival of a ‘Cold War mentality.’ The summit, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, convened leaders from Eurasian powerhouse nations including Russia, India, and Central Asian states, underscoring the region’s critical significance in fast-changing global geopolitics and technological competition.

Xi’s Call for Global AI Norms

During his keynote address, President Xi emphasized the urgent need for creating international standards around AI development, use, and security. He warned against the formation of exclusive technological blocs, advocating instead for open research, shared best practices, and the ethical deployment of AI across borders. ‘Science and technology should benefit all humanity, not be used as weapons for rivalry,’ Xi stated, echoing his government’s longstanding opposition to what it calls ‘technological containment’ by Western nations.

China, now home to some of the world’s largest AI firms and a global leader in patents and research output, has actively sought to shape the international conversation on AI regulation. In 2024, the Chinese government published its own set of AI governance principles aimed at promoting security, transparency, and mutual trust. At the SCO summit, Xi pushed for these principles to underpin emerging global frameworks, positioning China as a central voice in the debate over responsible AI use.

Beijing’s Push Against ‘Cold War’ Sentiment

Xi’s warning against a “Cold War mentality” came amid ongoing tensions between China and several Western allies, particularly regarding technological leadership in areas such as semiconductors, quantum computing, and AI. The United States and European Union have implemented strict export controls on advanced chips and AI hardware, arguing these measures are necessary for national security but drawing sharp rebukes from Beijing and its partners.

‘Artificial intelligence should not become a tool for division or confrontation,’ Xi told the assembled leaders. Instead, he framed AI as a golden opportunity for international engagement, both to accelerate economic growth and to tackle global challenges — from health crises to climate change. His message was backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both of whom echoed calls for increased Eurasian technological autonomy and cooperation.

The SCO’s Expanding Role in Technology Governance

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, originally founded in 2001 to address regional security and counterterrorism, has increasingly become a forum for economic coordination and technology policy. The 2025 summit saw the signing of new agreements to pursue research partnerships in digital infrastructure, AI safety, and cross-border data flows.

With a combined population of over 3 billion and member states that include China, India, Russia, Pakistan, and several Central Asian republics, the SCO has significant potential to influence the future contours of digital governance. Institutions such as the SCO Digital Economy Forum are ramping up activities this year, aiming to establish interoperable rules for AI and emerging technologies that balance economic development with national sovereignty.

According to recent data from Statista and the World Economic Forum, China and India are already among the top global investors in AI research, while Russia is rapidly advancing its own AI defense projects. As a group, SCO countries control a vast share of raw computing resources, data, and user bases, and their approach to technological sovereignty is forming a counterweight to Western-led institutions like the OECD and the EU AI Act.

Challenges to AI Collaboration

Despite the optimism at the summit, realizing a unified approach to AI standards won’t be simple. SCO members have divergent economic systems, legal frameworks, and levels of technological development. India, for example, is pursuing a vision for privacy-first, people-centric AI, while Russia’s focus remains on strategic autonomy and national security applications.

Moreover, ongoing border disputes, trade frictions, and deep historical mistrust complicate hopes for seamless policy alignment. Analysts also note that the global AI landscape remains hotly contested, as the United States advances its National AI Initiative and Europe pushes for strict regulation while fostering innovation at home.

Still, there is momentum for closer Eurasian cooperation. The recently launched SCO AI Task Force, announced during the summit, aims to draft a common set of ethical and security guidelines by early 2026, drawing on input from both public and private stakeholders across member states. Multilateral AI research centers in Shanghai and New Delhi are already collaborating on machine translation, smart city platforms, and cross-language search engines.

Implications for Global AI Governance

The outcome of these regional efforts could have profound global consequences. If the SCO’s vision for AI governance gains traction, it may challenge the West’s efforts to universalize its regulatory preferences. At the same time, cross-bloc dialogue will be essential to manage risks related to autonomous weapons, surveillance, algorithmic bias, and the spread of misinformation.

Xi’s call for rejecting zero-sum rivalries and working toward shared prosperity is, in part, a recognition of AI’s dual-use nature: the same technology that can boost productivity and health care can also exacerbate inequalities and fuel cyber conflict. As AI becomes further intertwined with energy, supply chains, and national security, robust communication and mutual oversight between major regions will be key to global stability.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 SCO summit marks a pivotal moment for Eurasian technology diplomacy. As Beijing seeks to expand its influence and foster alternatives to Western regulatory models, the effectiveness of its leadership will be measured not only by rhetorical calls for cooperation but also by the creation of practical, enforceable policies that build digital trust among diverse populations.

With AI expected to contribute as much as $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030 (PwC), the stakes for constructive collaboration are enormous. The coming year will reveal whether Xi’s vision for cooperative, open AI governance gains real momentum—or whether the underlying tensions propelling technological competition continue to intensify.