Xi Unveils China's Global AI Vision at Shanghai Technology Conference

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses delegates during the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 17, 2026.

Xi Promotes China-Led Global AI Vision to Challenge US Influence

SHANGHAI — July 17, 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has outlined a vision for a new global framework on artificial intelligence, presenting China as a leader in AI development and governance while promoting open-source technology as an alternative to approaches backed by the United States.

Speaking at the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Xi called on countries to embrace what he described as a historic opportunity created by open-source AI. He pledged that China would help developing nations strengthen their AI capabilities and warned that unequal access to the technology could create new global divisions.

Xi said China intends to share AI technology, expertise and training with partners across the Global South while taking a leading role in shaping international standards for the rapidly evolving sector. He also highlighted the newly launched World AI Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), describing it as a milestone for international AI cooperation. The organization, created by China, has attracted 29 member countries.

The speech comes as Chinese AI developers continue to narrow the gap with leading U.S. companies through increasingly capable open-weight AI models. During the conference, Beijing-based startup Moonshot AI introduced its latest model, Kimi K3, which the company described as its largest open AI model to date.

Xi also delivered his most detailed public remarks on AI safety, stressing that artificial intelligence should remain under human control. He urged countries to establish early-warning systems and emergency response mechanisms to manage potential risks, including scenarios in which autonomous AI systems could operate beyond effective human oversight.

China's AI strategy places growing emphasis on cooperation with developing economies. Xi announced plans to expand AI training programs and establish cooperation centers with BRICS, ASEAN, Latin American and African Union countries, strengthening Beijing's technology partnerships across the Global South.

The conference takes place as China and the United States prepare for government-level discussions on artificial intelligence under President Donald Trump's administration. The two countries have recently promoted different approaches to global AI governance, with Washington emphasizing innovation and security while Beijing advocates broader access to open-source AI technologies.

Analysts say the speech reflects China's ambition to play a leading role in setting future AI standards and governance as global competition in advanced technology continues to intensify.