Tencent, Alibaba, Baidu and Huawei Heads Collaborate to Set China’s AI Standards

China's Effort to Standardise AI and Shape the Future of Technology

China's push to dominate the global AI landscape has taken a significant step with the establishment of a new AI standards committee.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), is tasked with developing and refining industry-wide standards that will influence the future of AI development, testing, and deployment.

Who’s Leading the Charge?

The 41-member committee includes top executives from major Chinese tech firms, signalling the government’s serious approach to AI regulation.

Among the prominent figures are Ma Yanjun, Baidu’s AI technology ecosystem general manager; Judy Zhu Hongru, Vice-President at Alibaba’s cloud division; Jiang Jie, Vice-President overseeing Tencent’s AI Lab; and You Fang, Director of Huawei's standardisation department.

The committee’s composition also includes experts from leading AI firms like SenseTime and iFlyTek, along with representatives from financial technology giant Ant Group, chip designer Moore Threads, and automaker Changan Automobile.

The involvement of key state-owned telecom companies, such as China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile, alongside academic contributions from prestigious institutions like Peking University and Tsinghua University, adds another layer of credibility to this initiative.

What’s the Goal of This Committee?

This newly formed committee will focus on developing standards for various aspects of AI, including assessments, testing, data sets, and the management of large language models (LLMs) and application development.

These efforts align with China’s broader ambitions to create 50 sets of AI standards by 2026, a goal set by MIIT in collaboration with other government bodies.

According to the official statement, the committee’s main objective is to create uniform guidelines that can be applied across various AI sectors, which is seen as a vital step for China in maintaining control over rapidly advancing technology.

Collaborating with Global Giants

In addition to domestic initiatives, China is also pushing for international cooperation on AI standards.

In September, major Chinese tech players like Ant, Tencent, and Baidu joined forces with global tech giants Microsoft, Google, and Meta Platforms to create the first international standard on LLM security for supply chains.

Earlier this year, China made further strides in international AI regulation with the joint development of two security testing standards: the "Generative AI Application Security Testing and Validation Standard" and the "Large Language Model Security Testing Method."

These were co-authored with OpenAI, Microsoft, and Nvidia, marking China’s commitment to playing a central role in global AI governance.

How Does This Fit Into China’s Broader AI Strategy?

This move is part of China’s larger strategy to strengthen its AI capabilities and computing infrastructure.

The committee’s formation follows a three-year plan revealed by MIIT earlier this year, focusing on enhancing China’s AI standards and boosting its national computing power.

As part of this strategy, the Beijing municipal government also launched the AI Standardisation Academy in August, aiming to establish guidelines for AI products, particularly in the robotics sector.

China’s Vision for Global AI Leadership

China’s AI standards push extends beyond its borders.

The government’s efforts to create a “free, open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory” business environment for AI development were endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in July, with China leading the resolution.

The establishment of this committee, combined with the country’s active involvement in international AI collaborations, highlights China’s ambition to become a global leader in AI technology, not just domestically but also on the world stage.

The formation of this standards committee marks a critical moment in China’s quest to influence the direction of AI development globally, and it raises important questions about the future of AI governance and the balance of power in technological innovation.