On July 17, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered the keynote at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, outlining China’s AI governance principles and stressing openness, cooperation and inclusivity to ensure AI benefits all humanity.
China’s AI governance: four guiding observations
Xi presented four key observations on global AI development and governance. He called for openness and win‑win cooperation; innovation‑driven development; heightened risk awareness to keep AI secure and controllable; and greater inclusiveness, mutual learning among civilizations, solidarity and improved global governance. According to the address, these proposals are intended to guide the construction of a fairer, more equitable global AI governance system.
International reactions to Xi’s proposals were broadly positive, with the international community praising China’s contributions to global AI governance. Observers said the proposals offer a clear vision for the future of the global AI industry and represent a Chinese approach to narrowing the global digital and AI divide and promoting AI development for the common good. UN Secretary‑General António Guterres said he fully agrees with Xi’s important proposals, particularly the emphasis on “beneficial, inclusive, and safe AI,” and noted their alignment with the UN’s vision and strategic objectives.
International initiatives and capacity building
China described itself as a responsible major country providing international public goods for AI. Since proposing the Global AI Governance Initiative, China has promoted the UN General Assembly Resolution on Enhancing International Cooperation on Capacity‑Building of Artificial Intelligence by consensus, published the AI Capacity‑Building Action Plan for Good and for All, and announced the AI Plus International Cooperation Initiative. The World AI Cooperation Organization has been established in Shanghai, which the address described as a major step in responding to the aspirations of the Global South and uniting the international community on AI development and governance.
Beijing said many countries have expressed confidence that the new organization will promote open, inclusive, equal and mutually beneficial cooperation and help build a safer, more prosperous future in which no country is left behind. To support global AI development and capacity building over the next five years, China pledged to provide developing countries with 5,000 opportunities in AI training and seminar programs, to develop international AI application cooperation centers with 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 BRICS, and to enable 30 countries to use the AI‑powered meteorological warning system MAZU.
China also highlighted its domestic AI progress and international deployments. It said core smart economy industries are valued at least 1 trillion yuan ($147.64 billion) and that Chinese AI capabilities and real‑world applications remain among the world’s leading. Examples cited include AI‑powered clinics introduced in Saudi Arabia to improve primary healthcare and autonomous driving technologies supporting logistics upgrades in Singapore. The address noted a growing number of Chinese AI products and solutions reaching international markets and described “Intelligent Manufacturing in China” as a distinctive hallmark of Chinese modernization.
Concluding the speech, Xi framed AI development as a collective endeavour rather than a solo performance by any single country, stating that China is ready to be more open, take practical actions and work with all parties to seize opportunities, meet challenges and create a brighter future for humanity.
