Abstract: In recent years, China has developed a distinctive “developmental cooperation model” in its AI collaboration with other countries in the Global South., characterized by principles of autonomous empowerment, openness, inclusiveness, and mutual benefit. To provide theoretical discussions on optimizing China’s AI cooperation strategies with other countries in the Global South while offering practical insights for sustainable technology collaboration among developing nations. Through an analysis of China’s international AI cooperation policies within the Global South and case studies of multilateral and bilateral mechanisms, this study examines how China promotes AI development in Global South countries across key areas such as capacity-building, application-driven innovation, and data governance. While progress has been achieved, challenges persist, including institutional fragmentation, disparities in development among partner nations, and Western-led disinformation campaigns aimed at sowing division. To address these challenges, this paper proposes three strategic recommendations: 1) leveraging the BRICS mechanism to strengthen multilateral cooperation frameworks and enhance the Global South’s voice in AI governance; 2) prioritizing partnerships with “pivotal states” to establish flagship projects and foster regional spillover effects; and 3) promoting transparency and trust-building measures to counter misperceptions and solidify mutual confidence.

Key words: Artificial Intelligence; Global South; International Cooperation; AI Governance; South-South Cooperation; Optimization Strategies