China invites SCO members to jointly build AI application center

China has invited member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to work together to establish an AI application center, according to a plan unveiled Thursday at the 2025 China-SCO AI Cooperation Forum in north China's Tianjin Municipality.

The China-SCO Member States AI Application Cooperation Center Construction Plan also outlines goals such as talent cultivation, strengthened industrial collaboration and enhanced cooperation in providing open-source services.

Themed "Intelligence Converges in China, Wisdom Benefits SCO," the forum aims to boost practical cooperation in AI development and governance between China and SCO member states.

Huang Ru, an official with China's National Development and Reform Commission, said at the forum that accelerating cooperation in AI technology and applications would energize the SCO's economic and social development, promote inclusive global growth and help bridge the global digital divide.

China is ready to work with other SCO member states to uphold the "Shanghai Spirit" and enhance joint efforts to ensure the beneficial, secure and equitable development of AI, Huang added.