SHANGHAI – At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for global collaboration in the governance and development of artificial intelligence (AI). He voiced concerns regarding the “overstretching” of national security issues that he believes hinder international cooperation.
In his opening remarks, Xi stated, “The development of artificial intelligence should not be a solo performance by any single country but rather a symphony of global cooperation.” His speech came as tensions between the United States and China escalate, particularly regarding access to advanced technologies. Xi’s comments reflect a response to American-led restrictions that have limited China’s technological advancements, prompting the country to intensify its own AI development.
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Xi urged a collective stance against the misuse of national security as a pretext for technological isolation. “We should together oppose the practice of overstretching the concept of national security in the field of artificial intelligence,” he declared, highlighting a long-standing Chinese grievance regarding how national security is invoked to justify restrictions on technological exchange.
In a bid to foster international collaboration, Xi announced plans to enhance AI cooperation with several regional organizations, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the African Union. He also promised to provide access to a Chinese-developed AI meteorological tool to 30 countries, which will assist in early warning systems for natural disasters.
Furthermore, Xi committed to offering 5,000 AI training opportunities to developing nations over the next five years, emphasizing that closer partnerships are essential to avoid “historical injustices in AI.” This initiative aims to position China as a leader in AI technology, especially among Global South countries.
Ahead of the conference, 29 countries, including Pakistan and Russia, signed an agreement to form a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, which is intended to promote global AI governance. This new entity is seen as a strategic counter to the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative, which focuses on strengthening AI supply chains among American allies.
The Pax Silica framework, launched in late 2022, consists of agreements primarily among U.S. allies such as Japan, the U.K., and Australia, aiming to enhance cooperation in AI technologies. In contrast, Xi’s recent speech signals China’s intent to assert itself as a reliable partner for nations seeking alternatives to U.S. technological dominance.
During the conference, over 1,100 companies and 1,400 guests are in attendance, showcasing China’s growing capabilities in AI. Notably, tech giant Huawei is displaying its advanced AI computing system, the Atlas 950 SuperPoD. Analysts suggest that China is shifting from merely catching up with the U.S. to becoming a significant innovator in the AI sector, as evidenced by its ambitious five-year plan prioritizing advancements in AI and other emerging technologies.
China’s open-source AI models, such as DeepSeek, are gaining traction, particularly in developing countries, due to their affordability and accessibility compared to closed-source U.S. models. As a reflection of this trend, the Chinese AI startup Moonshot recently unveiled its Kimi K3 model, boasting 2.8 trillion parameters, positioning it as one of the largest open-source AI models globally.
However, U.S. politicians and AI firms have raised concerns about the potential threat posed by Chinese AI technologies, citing allegations of illicit technology acquisition practices. Despite these tensions, Xi Jinping’s message at the conference underscores China’s ambition to lead in AI development and establish itself as a formidable player on the global stage.
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Chan reported from Hong Kong. Associated Press writer Ken Moritsugu contributed from Beijing.
