Xi Jinping Says AI Development Should Be a Symphony, Not a Solo by One Nation... Aimed at U.S.

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized today that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) should not be dominated by a single country.

Attending the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai this morning, President Xi stated, "AI development should not be a solo performance by one country, but a symphony achieved through international cooperation."

The remarks are interpreted as being aimed at the United States, which is competing with China in the rapid advancement of AI.

He also stressed that AI development must follow a "human-centered approach," adding that "the secondary risks brought about by AI must be handled seriously."

"We must strengthen our awareness of AI risks and ensure that AI remains safe and controllable," he added.

Furthermore, he stated, "We must jointly oppose the excessive expansion of the concept of national security in the field of AI," and called for the "urgent establishment of a global AI governance system based on consensus."

President Xi's comments come as the United States and the European Union (EU) have been controlling the import of advanced Chinese technology, citing national security concerns.

President Xi also expressed his commitment to working with Global South countries—a term referring to emerging and developing nations, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere—in the future of AI development.

He stated that "we must prevent the emergence of new historical injustices in the field of AI," and added that China should help strengthen the AI capabilities of Global South nations.

"We will develop AI cooperation centers with countries in Latin America, ASEAN, Africa, and BRICS," he said, adding that "we will provide 5,000 AI-related training opportunities to developing countries over the next five years."

This was President Xi's first time attending the opening ceremony of the WAIC, which began in 2018 and marked its 9th anniversary this year.

Yesterday, 29 countries, including China, signed an agreement in Shanghai to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).

President Xi also remarked that the founding of WAICO would be a milestone in the history of global AI development.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.