During the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai, President Xi Jinping underscored the urgent need for a balanced global framework for artificial intelligence. He highlighted that while AI offers immense economic potential, it simultaneously introduces complex ethical and security hurdles that necessitate a unified international response.
Xi proposed a four-point agenda for global cooperation, focusing on open-source innovation, stringent human-controlled safety measures, cultural inclusivity, and the establishment of UN-backed regulatory standards. He specifically cautioned against using national security as a pretext to limit technological collaboration between nations.
Addressing the digital divide, the Chinese leader announced significant aid for developing states. Over the next five years, China will offer 5,000 training placements for professionals from developing countries. Furthermore, Beijing plans to launch joint AI application centers with major regional blocs like ASEAN, the African Union, and BRICS. Additionally, thirty nations will gain access to China’s MAZU AI meteorological system to improve their disaster response capabilities.
Xi noted that China’s own smart economy has reached a valuation exceeding one trillion yuan. He reaffirmed that the creation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization in Shanghai serves as a cornerstone for building collective AI governance, urging the world to pursue a collaborative path rather than fragmented competition.