Xi Jinping Calls for Global AI Collaboration at Shanghai Conference

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged international cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) development during his first-ever keynote address at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, emphasizing the need to prevent “new historical injustices” in the field.

Xi’s Vision for Global AI Collaboration

“AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation,” Xi stated, advocating for equitable access to AI technologies for developing nations.

Xi also stressed the importance of a “people-centred” approach, calling for laws and regulations to ensure AI remains “under human control.” His comments came as the World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO) was formally established, with 29 nations signing an agreement to create the intergovernmental body in Shanghai, per Xinhua.

Formation of the World AI Cooperation Organization

The WAICO, headquartered in Shanghai, includes representatives from Russia, Belarus, Serbia, Cuba, Brazil, Venezuela, 12 Asian countries, and 10 African nations. The organization aims to promote global AI governance and cooperation, according to a statement from the Chinese government. The agreement was signed on Thursday, marking a significant step in China’s efforts to shape the international AI landscape.

Xi’s speech coincided with the four-day WAIC, which features over 1,000 exhibitors from Chinese tech firms and includes attendance from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Implications for the US-China AI Rivalry

The conference occurs amid escalating competition between the U.S. and China in AI innovation. Chinese AI models are gaining traction globally due to lower costs, challenging more expensive U.S. offerings.

Global Concerns and Future Challenges

Concerns about AI’s use in warfare, cyberattacks, and by extremist groups have intensified, prompting calls for international safeguards.

As the U.S. and China prepare for their first government-level AI talks under the Trump administration, the WAIC underscores the geopolitical stakes of AI development.