China–ASEAN to Align AI Data, Launch Safety Network in 2026

China-ASEAN launched an AI center and “AI+” plan, pushing trusted cross-border data while tackling chip limits, rules, and power costs.
A humanoid smart robot 4S store in Beijing, China, 13 August, 2025. China-ASEAN launched an AI center and “AI+” plan, pushing trusted cross-border data while tackling chip limits, rules, and power costs. (Photo by IC photo / Imaginechina via AFP)

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) pledged to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence AI. The commitment was announced at a ministerial roundtable held during the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo last Friday.

They proposed an “AI+” action plan and a China-ASEAN ministerial cooperation mechanism on AI.

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