China’s Huawei joins US giants OpenAI, Google in AI standards alliance
South China Morning Post
by Vincent ChowFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies has joined forces with US companies OpenAI and Google, marking a significant move in the rapidly evolving field of agentic artificial intelligence (AI). As part of the Agentic AI Foundation (AAIF), Huawei is one of 97 new members announced on Tuesday. This collaboration aims to advance global open-source standards for AI, despite ongoing tensions between the US and China over technology and geopolitics. The partnership is notable because it involves a Chinese company that has faced US sanctions, working alongside major American tech firms in setting international AI standards.
The Agentic AI Foundation's initiative highlights the importance of standardization in AI development, which is critical for ensuring compatibility, innovation, and ethical practices across the industry. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from different countries, the foundation seeks to create a unified framework that benefits the global AI community. Huawei's inclusion, despite US-China tech competition, underscores the potential for collaboration in advancing AI technologies.
This rare collaboration between a Chinese company and US-based giants like OpenAI and Google is significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrates the mutual interest in fostering innovation despite geopolitical challenges. Second, it signals that even amid tensions, there can be room for cooperation on shared goals like improving AI standards. This move could also set a precedent for future collaborations between companies from rival nations.
The participation of Huawei, a global leader in telecommunications and AI, adds valuable expertise to the foundation's efforts. While US-China relations remain strained over technology issues, this partnership shows that collaboration is still possible in specific areas like open-source AI development. The success of the Agentic AI Foundation could pave the way for similar initiatives, fostering international cooperation and advancing the field of artificial intelligence.
Ultimately, this alliance matters because it addresses a critical need for global standards in AI, which are essential for driving innovation, ensuring ethical practices, and preventing fragmentation in the industry. By bringing together companies from different regions and backgrounds, the foundation aims to create a unified approach that benefits all stakeholders. This effort not only advances technology but also sends a positive message about the potential for collaboration despite ongoing US-China tensions.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/26/2026