Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed ambitions to counter the dominance of the United States in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector and to establish a new global AI order centered around China.
According to reports from Reuters and AFP, Xi made his remarks during the opening ceremony of the '2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC)' in Shanghai on July 17, stating, "The development of AI should not be a solo performance by a specific country but a symphony created by the international community together." This comment is seen as a direct challenge to the U.S.-led AI supply chain alliance known as 'Pax Silica.'
Xi emphasized that AI development must be human-centered and ensure safety and controllability, while also opposing the misuse of national security concepts to control technology.
This statement indirectly criticized the measures taken by the U.S. and the European Union to regulate advanced Chinese technologies under the guise of security.
Notably, Xi highlighted solidarity with the 'Global South,' which includes emerging and developing countries. He stated, "We must prevent new historical inequalities from arising in the field of AI," and pledged to foster AI cooperation centers with BRICS, ASEAN, Latin American, and African nations, promising 5,000 educational opportunities for developing countries over the next five years.
On July 16, the day before the conference, China officially launched the 'World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO)' in collaboration with 28 countries from Asia, Africa, and South America, including Russia, Brazil, and Serbia.
Local experts noted that Xi's actions signal a declaration and warning that China aims to lead global AI standards and technology, marking the beginning of China's 'AI diplomacy' with the WAIC's establishment.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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