Beneath the headlines of trade wars and chip bans, a quieter battle is unfolding — one that could shape the rules governing global AI systems for decades to come
Why Global AI Standards Matter
The battle over global AI standards is no mere technical footnote — it is about who defines the rules of the game for one of the most transformative technologies of the century.
AI standards influence:
- Privacy → what data can be used, by whom, and under what conditions
- Transparency → how AI systems must explain decisions
- Ethical use → what AI can legally do (surveillance, content moderation, autonomous systems)
- Cross-border trade → how AI products and services move globally
The US and China are advancing competing models of AI governance — a divergence that could split the global tech ecosystem.
At stake is whether the world moves toward a more open, innovation-driven AI model (largely championed by the US and its allies), or a state-centric, surveillance-enabled model (favored by Beijing).
Who Is Winning the Global AI Race: https://worlddiplomacyhub.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=161&action=edit
How the US and China’s Approaches to AI Standards Differ
US model → industry-led, open standards, innovation-first
- The US prefers bottom-up standards → shaped by industry consortia, private sector, and civil society.
- Focus on interoperability, cross-border data flows, and fostering AI innovation.
- Emphasis on voluntary frameworks over top-down mandates.
China model → state-driven, centralized standards, emphasis on surveillance and national security
- China’s standards are drafted by government-led bodies with direct political oversight.
- Focus on control over data flows, ensuring that AI serves state interests (including surveillance, social management).
- Standards often require built-in compliance with national censorship and security requirements.
Examples:Facial recognition: Chinese standards emphasize accuracy and integration with public security systems. US and European actors push for privacy safeguards and opt-in consent.
Data privacy: US firms work within frameworks like GDPR-style rules; China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) embeds state access provisions.
Explainable AI: US/EU standards lean toward algorithmic transparency for consumers; China’s focus is more on compliance monitoring by state actors.
Where the Quiet Battle Is Happening (2025)
Much of the contest over global AI standards is playing out in technical committees — areas that rarely make headlines.
China’s AI investments in Latin America: https://worlddiplomacyhub.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=164&action=edit
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
- The ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 subcommittee on AI is where much of the international negotiation happens.
- China is highly active here — proposing definitions and requirements that align with state-centric governance.
- US and European stakeholders push back with industry-friendly, open AI models.
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
- The IEEE has advanced important work on AI ethics, trustworthiness, and technical standards for autonomous systems.
- China’s representatives seek to influence these definitions to ensure compatibility with China’s domestic systems.
ITU (International Telecommunication Union)
- The ITU’s AI for Good and AI governance initiatives are key battlegrounds — here China has found more sympathetic partners in the Global South.
- Beijing is promoting AI standards tied to Belt & Road digital infrastructure.
Bilateral deals
- China is signing MOUs and technical cooperation agreements with countries in Africa, Central Asia, and ASEAN to adopt China-friendly AI standards.
- These deals often come with funding and training programs, increasing uptake.
Regional alliances
- The US, G7, and EU are forming coordinated positions on AI governance.
- The US-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) is a key venue for alignment on AI ethics and technical standards.
How US-China Rivalry Is Shaping Emerging Markets’ AI Rules
African countries
- Many African nations are adopting Chinese-style AI standards — in part because of Huawei-led infrastructure projects.
- Surveillance-centric models are spreading in public security and urban management systems.
Latin America
- Latin American governments are split — some lean toward US-aligned privacy frameworks, while others adopt Chinese smart city platforms.
- Data localization and surveillance vs privacy debates are ongoing.
Southeast Asia
- Most ASEAN countries are pursuing hybrid models — combining Chinese hardware with Western governance principles.
- For example, Singapore is drafting AI governance aligned with global interoperability, while using Chinese AI infrastructure in some sectors.
China’s Growing Influence in Latin America and Africa: https://worlddiplomacyhub.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=167&action=edit
Impact on Global Companies and Startups
US startups
- Increasingly face “standards fragmentation” → having to build AI systems that comply with very different national frameworks.
- Challenge: exporting AI products to markets with China-centric standards may require product modifications.
Chinese firms
- Building influence through Belt & Road tech partnerships.
- Chinese AI companies often embed homegrown standards into their exported platforms — spreading China’s AI governance model.
Risk of “standards fragmentation”
- Without global consensus, firms may face a splintered global AI landscape → different data privacy, security, audit, and interoperability requirements in each market.
- Large players can adapt; startups and SMEs face higher costs and barriers to entry.
Future Trends to Watch (2025–2030)
Will we see a bipolar AI world (US model vs China model)?
- Increasing signs point to an emerging bipolar AI standards regime — with US-led coalitions and China-centered networks.
Can there be a global consensus?
- It remains possible, but difficult. Some hope that ISO and IEEE processes can preserve at least technical interoperability, even if ethical frameworks diverge.
Role of AI in geopolitics → next phase of the US-China rivalry
- AI governance is becoming a core element of strategic competition.
- The next phase will see AI standards embedded in trade deals, digital partnerships, and development programs.