President Xi opens World AI Conference

President Xi Jinping presented four observations on artificial intelligence (AI) development and governance while addressing the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai on Friday.

He emphasised the importance of upholding openness and win-win cooporation, strengthening risk awareness, forstering inclusiveness and advocating solidarity to improve global governance.

He stated that by proposing the establishment of World AI Cooperation Organisaion, China aims to lead the development of AI and enhance the well-being of all humanity.

Xi also spoke of China's role in ensuring equity of access to AI capacity building for developing countries in order to prevent the creation of "new historical injustices" in AI, announcing China's plans to cooperate with numerous international bodies, including from Africa, Latin America, Asia and BRICS countries, to provide 5,000 opportunities for AI training and seminars over the next five years.