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Chinese President Xi Jinping has presented Beijing’s vision for a new international framework on artificial intelligence (AI), calling for broader access to advanced technology and stronger cooperation among developing nations during the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai.
Addressing delegates on Friday, Xi described AI as a transformative force comparable to the Industrial Revolution and urged countries to embrace open technological development rather than allowing innovation to remain concentrated in a handful of powerful states.
He stressed that unequal access to AI could deepen global disparities if left unchecked.
The Chinese leader pledged support for emerging economies by expanding technical training, sharing expertise and establishing AI cooperation centres with partners across BRICS, ASEAN, Africa and Latin America.
He argued that developing countries should have a greater voice in shaping the future of AI governance.
Xi also highlighted China’s intention to play a leading role in setting international standards for artificial intelligence, presenting Beijing as a key architect of future digital rules.
Although he did not directly mention the United States, his remarks reflected growing competition between the two powers over technological leadership and global influence.
Chinese officials have increasingly promoted the country’s open-source AI approach as an alternative to restrictions they say have been imposed by Western governments.
State-backed commentators have portrayed Beijing’s strategy as one designed to encourage wider participation in AI development rather than limiting access to advanced technologies.
The conference also showcased China’s rapid progress in artificial intelligence.
Beijing-based startup Moonshot AI introduced its latest model, Kimi K3, claiming it is the world’s largest openly available AI system based on parameter size.
The announcement comes amid intensifying global competition following recent U.S. decisions to tighten access to some advanced AI technologies.
Despite advocating open collaboration, reports indicate Chinese authorities are considering tighter controls on overseas access to certain domestic AI models, reflecting the government’s continued emphasis on national security alongside technological expansion.
Beyond promoting innovation, Xi urged governments to strengthen safeguards against the risks associated with advanced AI systems.
He called for effective oversight, emergency response mechanisms and measures to ensure artificial intelligence remains subject to human control, warning against scenarios in which autonomous systems operate beyond human supervision.
His address followed the establishment of the World AI Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), a Beijing-backed initiative that has attracted 29 member states.
President Xi described the organisation as an important step toward giving developing countries a stronger role in international AI policymaking.
Analysts viewed the speech as a significant diplomatic message, signalling China’s determination to shape both technological development and the regulatory environment governing artificial intelligence rather than accepting standards established elsewhere.
The four-day conference, running from July 17 to July 20, has attracted senior government officials, business leaders and technology experts from around the world, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
The event comes ahead of the first formal AI discussions between Washington and Beijing under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, as both countries continue to advance competing visions for the future of global AI governance.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong