BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Artificial intelligence (AI) should not be owned by major countries, still less dominated by contest and rivalry, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday.

Mao made the remarks at a regular press briefing when answering a query related to the global AI race. She pointed out that AI is profoundly changing the way people work and live, which is a new frontier for all humanity.

"China believes in a people-centered approach to AI and advocates openness and inclusiveness to ensure AI is a force for good and for all," Mao said.

China put forward the Global AI Governance Initiative, held World AI Conference for eight years in a row, and announced the initiative of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. The core aim of those efforts is to build consensus through dialogue, deepen cooperation, and build an open, equal-footed, just, and non-discriminatory environment for AI development, she added.

This July, China will host the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai.

"China hopes that this conference will provide an opportunity to deepen exchanges and dialogue and enhance global AI governance for a better future for humanity," Mao said. ■