Xi Jinping AI strategy took center stage on Friday as China’s president called for the development of “secure and controllable” artificial intelligence amid intensifying technological competition with the United States. Speaking at the World AI Conference in Shanghai, Xi emphasized that AI should remain under human control while supporting global cooperation in emerging technologies.
During his keynote address, Xi announced the creation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, which includes 29 participating countries and will be headquartered in Shanghai. He described the initiative as a platform to strengthen international collaboration in AI research, innovation, and governance.
Xi said the world has entered an unprecedented period of rapid AI innovation, creating enormous economic opportunities while also presenting new governance, ethical, and security challenges. He described artificial intelligence as an invaluable achievement reflecting humanity’s collective knowledge and innovation.
The Chinese president raised several key questions about the future of AI, including how humans should coexist with intelligent machines, how algorithm-based decision-making can remain safe, and how governments should respond to emerging ethical concerns. He stressed that these issues require collective international solutions.
Highlighting the need for responsible AI development, Xi called for stronger laws, regulations, early warning mechanisms, and emergency response systems to ensure AI remains secure and trustworthy. He also warned against expanding national security concerns in ways that could hinder international technological cooperation.
China also announced plans to provide 5,000 AI training and seminar opportunities for developing countries over the next five years. Xi said openness, inclusiveness, and international cooperation should guide AI development so that technological progress benefits all nations rather than a select few.
Concluding his address, Xi reaffirmed that artificial intelligence should always remain under human control and urged countries to strengthen global governance through multilateral cooperation. He said AI development should become “a symphony of international cooperation” instead of being driven by a single country.
