China has unveiled plans to establish a multinational AI application center with Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, signaling a major push to deepen technological collaboration across Eurasia. The initiative, announced at the 2025 China-SCO AI Cooperation Forum in Tianjin, aims to create a shared platform for innovation while addressing global digital disparities.
The proposed China-SCO AI Application Cooperation Center will focus on three key pillars: developing specialized talent pools, strengthening cross-border industry partnerships, and expanding access to open-source AI resources. Huang Ru of China's National Development and Reform Commission emphasized that the project aligns with the 'Shanghai Spirit' of mutual trust and shared development.
'This collaboration will serve as an engine for economic transformation across SCO nations,' Huang stated during the forum. 'By pooling our resources and expertise, we can create AI solutions that benefit both regional growth and global technological equity.'
The Tianjin forum, themed 'Intelligence Converges in China, Wisdom Benefits SCO,' brought together delegates from eight SCO member states and four observer countries. Participants discussed frameworks for ethical AI governance and strategies to prevent technological monopolies.
Analysts suggest the initiative could position Central Asian nations as emerging players in AI development while creating new opportunities for international investors. The plan comes as global tech firms increasingly look to diversify their AI supply chains across Asia.
