China Gains Trust Edge in AI Regulation Amid Global Shifts

Global confidence in who can effectively manage the risks of artificial intelligence is shifting. A new report from the Pew Research Center indicates that, on average, people in twelve surveyed countries trust China more than the United States or the European Union to regulate AI responsibly. This finding highlights a growing diplomatic and technological divide, where traditional Western allies are losing ground in key emerging markets.

The study focused on a group of twelve nations, including Bangladesh, Ghana, Malaysia, and the Philippines, most of which are classified as middle-income economies. These countries are often at the forefront of adopting new digital tools but frequently lack the robust legal frameworks seen in wealthier nations. The survey suggests that for these populations, trust in a regulator is closely tied to their broader political and economic views of that nation.

Trust Correlates With Broader Political Views

Laura Silver, an associate director at Pew, explained that the results are not isolated. They reflect a wider trend where middle-income countries hold more positive views of China compared to high-income nations. This suggests that the perception of AI regulation is deeply linked to geopolitical alignment. For many in these regions, China represents a partner in development and infrastructure, while the US and EU are often viewed through the lens of strict export controls and sanctions.

However, this trust comes with significant caveats. While these nations may prefer Chinese leadership in digital standards, they also face the risk of dependency. Relying on a single power for AI infrastructure and governance can limit local autonomy and expose economies to geopolitical pressure. The trade-off is that while Chinese frameworks may be seen as more accessible or cooperative, they often come with less transparency regarding data privacy and human rights protections.

Survey Scope And Methodological Limitations

It is important to note that China was not included as a respondent country in the broader Pew survey, meaning the data reflects external perceptions rather than internal Chinese opinion. The sample of twelve countries was selected largely because they were newly added to this year’s global study. Pew emphasized that while the group skews toward middle-income status, it is not a comprehensive representation of all emerging markets, and results may vary significantly in other regions.

Implications For Global AI Governance

This shift has real-world consequences for how global AI standards are set. If middle-income nations lean toward Chinese regulatory models, it could fragment the global digital landscape into competing spheres of influence. Companies operating in these markets may find themselves navigating conflicting rules, with Western platforms facing stricter scrutiny while Chinese firms gain easier entry. For policymakers in the US and EU, this signals a need to rethink their diplomatic approach, moving beyond security-focused narratives to address the developmental needs of these partner nations.