Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai and to deliver a keynote address that organizers say will outline Beijing’s vision for the future of artificial intelligence.
Opening remarks and keynote focus
Xi’s speech at the conference—scheduled from July 17 to 20 and themed “Intelligent Partners, Co-create the Future”—is expected to present a systematic account of China’s policies, positions, visions and propositions on AI development and governance. The keynote aims to frame China’s priorities as AI technology achieves rapid, wide-ranging breakthroughs.
A global gathering in Shanghai
The event will convene government officials, industry leaders, academics, researchers and heads of international organizations. The conference seeks to provide a platform for dialogue between the public and private sectors, research institutions and multilateral bodies, with Shanghai positioned as a hub for shaping international AI cooperation.
Policy, governance and shared challenges
Speakers will address both the opportunities and risks of accelerated AI progress. Discussions are planned around regulation, safety, ethical use and capacity-building, reflecting growing global interest in AI governance as a central policy issue. Emphasis will be placed on balancing innovation with safeguards to ensure AI’s orderly and secure deployment.
China’s international initiatives
Recent years have seen China promote several global initiatives on AI, including the Global AI Governance Initiative. Beijing intends to advocate AI for good and accessible benefits for all, highlighting support for capacity-building in developing countries and seeking to contribute international public goods in the AI field.
A forum for trust and cooperation
Organizers present the conference as an occasion to build trust, consolidate consensus and deepen cooperation among diverse stakeholders. By fostering dialogue across sectors and regions, the meeting aims to accelerate constructive multilateral approaches to AI governance and to mark a milestone in the technology’s global development.
Final perspective
With Xi’s keynote and a broad international turnout, the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai will be closely watched as a barometer of China’s role in shaping AI norms and collaborations worldwide. The outcomes could influence how governments and institutions balance innovation, safety and inclusivity in the era of intelligent systems.
