Chinese President Xi Jinping opened the World AI Conference and the High‑Level Summit on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence in Shanghai on 17 July 2026, delivering an address that emphasized international cooperation and technology safety. In his speech he set out four major observations that frame China’s stance on AI development and governance.
Four pillars for AI governance
Xi distilled his vision into four priorities: promote openness and development through innovation; heighten vigilance against risks to ensure AI is safe and controllable; encourage inclusivity and intercivilizational exchange; and defend solidarity to strengthen global governance. He presented these orientations as a way to make AI governance fairer and more beneficial for all humanity.
International reactions and alignment with global institutions
The proposals were met positively on the international stage. UN Secretary‑General António Guterres said he shared the emphasis on beneficial, inclusive and secure AI, and judged these principles compatible with the UN’s strategic objectives. Several observers suggested China’s initiatives provide a clear vision for narrowing the digital divide and promoting AI development for the common good.
Concrete measures and Chinese initiatives
China highlighted several concrete actions: promoting a Global AI Governance Initiative; supporting a UN General Assembly resolution on international cooperation for AI capacity‑building; publishing an AI Capacity‑Building Action Plan; and launching the AI Plus International Cooperation Initiative. The proposed establishment in Shanghai of a World AI Cooperation Organization was presented as an important step to bring together countries of the Global South and foster open, inclusive cooperation.
Cooperation, training and practical applications
China pledged that, over the next five years, it will offer 5,000 AI training opportunities and seminars to developing countries and develop international cooperation centers for AI applications with regional organizations (ASEAN, …). Note: the source text appears to be incomplete at this point; please provide the rest of the sentence if you would like a full translation.
Taken together, the proposals underscore Beijing’s intent to shape global AI governance around safety, inclusivity and capacity‑building.
