Xi Jinping Calls for Global AI Cooperation at Shanghai Conference

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for global collaboration in the advancement and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) during a conference in Shanghai. He criticized what he referred to as the “overstretching” of national security concerns and reiterated China’s objections to such practices.

Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, Xi stressed that AI development should not be controlled by any single nation. He highlighted the challenges China faces due to American-led restrictions, which have limited China’s access to advanced technologies. These restrictions have spurred China to advance its own technological capabilities, intensifying competition between the two largest economies.

“The development of artificial intelligence should not be a solo performance by any single country but rather a symphony of global cooperation,” Xi stated. His speech was attended by leaders from Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Thailand, and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres.

“We should together oppose the practice of overstretching the concept of national security in the field of artificial intelligence, and of placing one’s own security above that of other countries,”

Xi said, echoing a recurring Chinese stance. He announced that China would offer 5,000 training opportunities on AI to developing nations over the next five years.

China aims to broaden AI collaboration with organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the League of Arab States, the African Union, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the BRICS countries. As part of this effort, Xi pledged to provide 30 countries access to a Chinese-developed AI meteorological system for early warnings.

Ahead of the conference, 29 countries, including Pakistan, Russia, and Kazakhstan, agreed with China to launch the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. According to state media, this group is set to encourage global AI governance and will be based in Shanghai.

The annual AI conference features participation from over 1,100 companies and 1,400 guests. Tech giant Huawei is showcasing its advanced AI computing system, the Atlas 950 SuperPoD, at the event. Analysts suggest that China is now an AI innovator, rather than merely catching up with the U.S.

China’s five-year strategy through 2030 focuses on forefronts of science and technology, with AI as a priority. The country’s open-source AI models, like DeepSeek, are becoming popular and often more affordable alternatives to the largely closed-source American AI models, especially in developing nations.