Xi Jinping calls on the international community to cooperate in AI development, opposing the use of security issues as a pretext to restrict technology. He emphasizes that AI must remain under human control and should not be monopolized by any single country.
On 18 July 2026, Xi Jinping, President of China, opened the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, stating that AI development should not be dominated or monopolized by any one country but should be a global collaborative effort.
The Chinese leader also urged all countries to jointly oppose the expansion of national security concepts that obstruct AI development. He emphasized the need for laws, regulatory systems, and measures to ensure AI remains under human control at all times.
The conference was attended by representatives from multiple countries. Additionally, China, together with 29 other countries including Russia, Pakistan, and Indonesia, signed an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), headquartered in Shanghai, to promote cooperation and systematically oversee international AI development.
This year’s WAIC attracted over 1,000 technology companies showcasing around 3,000 AI products, highlighting China's efforts to advance the AI industry as a key driver of its economy and global technological competitiveness.
Source: AFP