Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized global AI governance and international cooperation at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, highlighting China’s role as a leader in the field.
Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the need for global AI governance and international collaboration at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, positioning China as a leader in the field. The event, which opened on July 17, features over 1,500 distinguished guests, 140 forums, and more than 4,400 exhibits, including 300 global debuts, according to Chinadaily.
Conference Details and Global Collaboration
A key development is the launch of WAIC Academic, an international AI conference hosted by the event for the first time. Professor Yao Qizhi, a Turing Award winner and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, serves as its general chair. The conference also features the SAIL Award and new contests like the OPC Independent Pioneer Challenge, aiming to cultivate AI talent and innovation.
Xi’s Vision for AI Governance
Xi Jinping called for laws and regulations to ensure AI remains under human control,
stating, We should put in place laws and regulations, technological monitoring, early warning, and emergency response systems, in order to … ensure AI is always under human control,
according to CNA. His remarks align with the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, an intergovernmental group headquartered in Shanghai, which aims to promote collaboration among 29 member countries, including Russia, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
The organization’s formation was announced during the conference, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi signing an agreement on behalf of China. The group seeks to ensure the healthy and orderly
development of AI, as reported by CNA. Leaders from the UN, Cambodia, and Thailand also attended the event, highlighting its global significance.
Geopolitical Context and Diplomatic Significance
Xi’s emphasis on AI collaboration coincides with his broader diplomatic efforts, including a recent summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tianjin. Analysts note that his triumphant diplomacy
reinforces his leadership within the Communist Party, with Neil Thomas of the Asia Society stating, This week of triumphant diplomacy for Xi shows that he remains totally in charge of the elite politics of the Communist Party.
Experts suggest Xi’s focus on AI and international partnerships serves to divert attention from domestic economic challenges, such as unemployment and stagnant wages. As Even Pay of Trivium China noted, Ultimately one of the biggest driving factors of the SCO show of solidarity has been U.S. policy.
The conference also highlights China’s technological advancements, with Beijing-based startup Moonshot AI unveiling its new model, Kimi K3, which rivals top U.S. AI offerings, CNA reported. This underscores China’s growing influence in the global AI landscape, even as tensions with the U.S. persist.
Implications for Global AI Governance
The WAIC 2026 reflects China’s ambition to shape global AI governance frameworks. By hosting the event and establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, Beijing aims to position itself as a central actor in international AI policy. This aligns with Xi’s broader vision of a community with a shared future for humanity,
as he stated during a Communist Party anniversary event, AP News reported.
However, the conference also highlights the geopolitical competition between China and the U.S. over AI leadership.