China's AI governance leadership discussed at Hong Kong conference amid global regulatory push

During the first Hong Kong Global AI Conference on Saturday at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Fu Hongyu, the policy lead at Alibaba Group Holding, underscored China's pivotal position in shaping international AI governance frameworks. As the director of AI governance at Alibaba's research arm, AliResearch, Fu characterized the current landscape as one of 'common ignorance,' highlighting the uncertainty surrounding AI's future. He pointed out that Chinese AI models are typically perceived as lagging behind their U.S. equivalents by three to six months, while Beijing promotes a balanced approach between AI advancement and safety. The dialogue emphasized the pressing necessity for regulatory measures as AI technology evolves rapidly, with global leaders in government and industry advocating for protective strategies. Alibaba, the parent company of the South China Morning Post, is actively engaged in these governance initiatives through its policy efforts.