Chinese President Xi Jinping used the country’s top technology conference to position China as the new leader of global artificial intelligence, directly challenging the United States’ influence over how the fast-growing sector is governed.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on July 17, Xi promoted open-source AI as a tool that could benefit the whole world. He warned that unequal access to AI technology could create new forms of global injustice, and said China would help developing countries build their AI capabilities.
Xi compared the importance of AI to major inventions like the steam engine and electricity. He stressed that AI systems must remain under human control, and called for early warning systems and emergency response mechanisms to address potential risks.
He also announced the China-led World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO), which signed up 29 member countries on July 16. Xi said the organization responds to calls from Global South countries for a bigger role in shaping AI rules. China plans to offer AI training and create cooperation centers with BRICS, ASEAN, and countries in Latin America and the African Union.
The conference comes as Washington and Beijing prepare for their first government-level AI talks under U.S. President Donald Trump. George Chen, Chair in Digital Practice at The Asia Group, said Xi’s message showed that China aims to lead globally in AI technology and rules, not follow others.
Article and image source: chinanationalnews.com
