Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a landmark speech at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, warning against creating ‘new historical injustices’ in the AI era and proposing stronger support for the Global South, while emphasizing a secure, open, and cooperative global approach to artificial intelligence development.
- Xi calls for open and inclusive global AI cooperation
- China to provide 5,000 AI training programs for developing countries
- Warns against misuse of national security to constrain AI innovation
What happened
Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, marking his first in-person appearance since the event began in 2018. In his speech, he emphasized the need to avoid replicating past historical injustices in the AI era by fostering more inclusive international cooperation, particularly supporting the Global South. Xi announced China’s commitment to deliver 5,000 AI training and seminar programs over the next five years, establishing cooperation centers with regions such as ASEAN, the African Union, the Arab League, Latin America, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
The speech also addressed concerns about the growing securitization of AI technology, cautioning against national security measures that could unfairly prioritize one country’s interests over others. Xi presented a vision for China not just as a technological leader but also as a promoter of a collaborative and open global AI ecosystem, accompanied by China’s 2026-30 five-year plan highlighting economic opportunities from its core smart economy sectors.
Why it matters
Xi Jinping’s remarks underscore China’s strategic objective to shape global AI governance amid intensifying US-China rivalry. His call for international cooperation contrasts with the US administration’s hardening stance, exemplified by then-President Trump’s simultaneous public accusatory remarks against China regarding data breaches. This highlights the mounting geopolitical and technological competition between the two superpowers, with significant implications for global technology development and governance.
China’s approach aims to position itself as a champion of AI inclusivity by facilitating technology access, training, and cooperation for developing nations. This not only seeks to bridge the AI divide but also challenges Western-led export controls and restrictions, which limit access to advanced AI systems and semiconductor technology. Xi’s emphasis on fostering open-source ecosystems and aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals further signals China’s intent to influence international standards and norms around AI.
What to watch next
Monitoring China’s implementation of its five-year AI cooperation initiatives will be critical, particularly the establishment of AI cooperation centers and dissemination of training programs in developing regions. Observers should watch for how these efforts translate into technological capacity building and influence in emerging markets, as well as their reception by partners within ASEAN, Africa, Latin America, and multilateral groups.
Additionally, attention should be paid to China’s National Development and Reform Commission’s eight-point AI action plan, which emphasizes facilitating cross-border data flows, expanding computing power for developing countries, and promoting global AI safety and standards coordination. These efforts will shape the trajectory of China’s role in international AI governance and its challenge to US-led technology restrictions.