Xi Jinping calls for global AI governance and international cooperation

Friday 17 July 2026 - 09:30

By: Sahili Aya

Xi Jinping calls for global AI governance and international cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for stronger international cooperation and coordinated regulation of artificial intelligence, arguing that the technology should not be dominated by any single country.

Speaking at the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Xi described AI development as a global undertaking requiring collective governance rather than geopolitical competition.

His remarks come as China accelerates its ambitions to become a global leader in artificial intelligence while competing with the United States in one of the world's most strategically important technologies.

China promotes shared AI development

Addressing delegates at the conference, Xi said the future of artificial intelligence should be built through international collaboration.

He argued that AI development "should not belong to one country alone" and urged governments to work together on common standards and governance frameworks.

The Chinese president also warned against prioritizing one nation's security interests at the expense of others, remarks widely interpreted as a reference to technology restrictions imposed by the United States and the European Union on Chinese high-tech industries.

Regulation becomes a global priority

Xi emphasized that advances in artificial intelligence must be accompanied by effective oversight to address growing concerns surrounding the technology.

Governments and technology companies worldwide continue to debate how to manage risks associated with AI, including misinformation, cyberattacks, algorithmic bias, military applications and malicious use by criminal or extremist groups.

His comments reflect a broader international discussion on balancing innovation with safeguards as AI systems become increasingly powerful and widely deployed.

Chinese AI companies gain global momentum

China's artificial intelligence ecosystem has expanded rapidly in recent years, with companies such as Moonshot AI, MiniMax and Z.ai developing increasingly competitive large language models.

These firms have attracted international attention by offering AI services at comparatively lower costs while challenging established American technology companies.

Their growth has reinforced Beijing's determination to strengthen domestic innovation and reduce dependence on foreign technology.

AI emerges as a strategic geopolitical issue

Xi's appearance at WAIC—the first time he has personally addressed the conference—underscored the strategic importance China places on artificial intelligence.

As competition between major powers increasingly extends to advanced technologies, AI has become a central arena for economic development, national security and international influence.

China's latest call for global cooperation highlights its effort to position itself as an influential participant in shaping future international AI governance while continuing to expand its domestic technological capabilities.