**Title: Xi Jinping Advocates for Global Cooperation in AI Development at World AI Conference**
**Shanghai, China** – At the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference held in Shanghai on July 17, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the necessity for international collaboration in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). He asserted that AI should not be monopolized by any single nation, highlighting the importance of a collective approach to harnessing this transformative technology.
In his keynote address, Xi articulated a vision of AI development that prioritizes a “people-centred” approach, ensuring that human oversight remains central to the technology's evolution. He stated, “AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation.” This sentiment reflects China's strategic aim to position itself as a leader in the global AI landscape, while also addressing concerns about the potential misuse of AI in military and criminal activities.
Xi's remarks come at a time when the competition between China and the United States in the AI sector is intensifying. Chinese AI models have been gaining traction, with many users drawn to their lower costs compared to American offerings. However, the rapid advancement of AI technology has raised critical questions regarding governance and ethical considerations, particularly in light of the technology's implications for national security.
During his address, Xi highlighted China's commitment to ensuring equitable access to AI capabilities for developing countries. He expressed concern over the potential for “new historical injustices” arising from unequal access to technological advancements. To combat this, he announced plans for China to collaborate with various international bodies, including those from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and BRICS nations, to foster AI-related opportunities.
The conference also took place against a backdrop of increasing restrictions imposed by the United States and the European Union on Chinese technology imports, citing national security risks. These tensions have raised questions about the control of cutting-edge technology and the implications for global AI governance. In May, the U.S. Commerce Department reaffirmed its restrictions on semiconductor shipments to Chinese companies, emphasizing the need to close loopholes in export controls.
In addressing the need for regulatory frameworks, Xi underscored the importance of implementing laws and monitoring systems to ensure that AI remains under human control. He stated, “We should put in place laws and regulations, technological monitoring, early warning, and emergency response systems, in order to ensure AI is always under human control.”
AI has emerged as a cornerstone of China’s industrial policy, with significant state investment aimed at creating a robust domestic ecosystem that spans from chip production to consumer applications. Recent reports indicate that daily consumption of AI “tokens” in China has surged a thousandfold over the past two years, reflecting the rapid growth of the sector.
Despite facing challenges in accessing the most advanced semiconductors, China has established a competitive advantage in powering large data centers that are essential for AI operations. These facilities, which can consume as much electricity as entire cities, are supported by China’s abundant supply of inexpensive electricity. The country generates more than twice the electricity of the United States, a gap that is expected to widen due to aggressive investments in its energy infrastructure.
As the World AI Conference unfolds, the discussions surrounding the future of AI development will likely focus on the balance between innovation, ethical considerations, and international cooperation. Xi Jinping’s call for a collaborative approach underscores the growing recognition that the challenges posed by AI transcend national borders and require a unified response from the global community.