Will AI Independence Become a New Form of Digital Sovereignty?

Date: April 25, 2025

Xi Jinping’s Strategic Message to Europe

During the China-France-Germany summit in April 2025, President Xi Jinping emphasized that “no single country should dominate AI standards.” His statement directly challenges U.S.-centric models and appeals to Europe's desire for technological autonomy.

From Digital Diplomacy to AI Sovereignty

By advocating for "equal participation" in global AI governance, China positions itself as a defender of digital multipolarity. But beneath the diplomatic tone lies a strategic ambition: to establish AI independence as a sovereign right of every nation.

“We must resist digital colonization. AI must be developed for all, not for a few.” — Xi Jinping

The Global South and the Digital Silk Road

Through its Digital Silk Road initiative, China extends its AI partnerships to the Global South. This model presents a compelling alternative to U.S. infrastructure dominance, framed as a path toward “decolonized digital futures.”

📎 Source

AI Frontiers / AIF editorial – based on reporting from PANewsLab, Xinhua, and DW.