China’s Draft AI Ethics Measures: A Pivotal Step in Responsible Governance

Original article by Koki Deng

On August 22, China released the draft Administrative Measures for AI Science & Technology Ethics Services (Trial) for public comment.

This draft marks the latest step in China’s effort to build a structured AI ethics governance framework. Its architecture closely follows the Measures for Science & Technology Ethics Review (Trial) (2023), and both can be traced back to the foundational 2022 Opinions on Strengthening Science & Technology Ethics Governance issued by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.

Together, these policies form a three-tiered framework:

1. High-level guidance (2022 Opinions): establishing ethics as a national strategic priority.

2. General review mechanism (2023 Measures): covering broad scientific and technological activities.

3. Sector-specific implementation (2025 AI Measures draft): focusing on AI-specific risks, support systems, and procedures such as general, simplified, and emergency review.

How does this compare internationally?

EU: The EU AI Act is the world’s most comprehensive regulatory framework, with a strict risk-based classification system and strong emphasis on transparency and prohibitions.

US: Regulation remains fragmented. While federal efforts such as the AI Risk Management Framework (NIST) and the 2023 Executive Order exist, governance is largely industry-led, with state-level initiatives filling gaps.

China: Positioned between these models, China is moving from principle-setting to detailed implementation. Its governance is state-led, emphasizes institutional responsibility (e.g., ethics committees in enterprises and universities), and seeks to balance risk prevention with industrial promotion.

What does this mean for China’s AI development?

Risk management as competitiveness: By institutionalizing ethics review and service mechanisms, China aims to reduce governance uncertainty and build international trust—potentially easing AI adoption in sensitive sectors and global markets.

Support for SMEs: The draft explicitly highlights ethics services and standards that help smaller firms comply, lowering barriers to responsible participation in AI innovation.

Innovation with constraints: Strong oversight may slow down experimentation in some areas, but it also signals to the global community that China is serious about aligning AI growth with ethical standards.

Global positioning: As Europe exports regulatory standards and the US exports technology platforms, China is crafting a model where governance and industrial strategy advance together.