China's Xi Advocates for Global AI Cooperation, Warns Against National Security Overreach
President Xi Jinping calls for international collaboration in artificial intelligence development and governance, while criticizing the expansion of national security concerns.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday urged a global approach to the development and governance of artificial intelligence, asserting that the technology should not be monopolized by any single nation. Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Xi also reiterated China's opposition to what he described as the "overstretching" of national security concerns in the AI field.
Xi stated that AI development should be a "symphony of global cooperation" rather than a "solo performance." He criticized the practice of prioritizing one country's security above others, a longstanding complaint from China regarding international technology policies. The United States has implemented restrictions that limit China's access to advanced technologies, fueling a technological race between the two economic powers.
To foster international collaboration, China plans to offer 5,000 AI training opportunities to developing countries over the next five years. Xi also announced expanded AI cooperation with various regional blocs, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the League of Arab States, the African Union, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the BRICS countries. Additionally, China will provide 30 countries with access to its AI meteorological system, designed for early warning capabilities.
This initiative follows an agreement signed by 29 countries, including Pakistan, Russia, and Kazakhstan, with China to establish a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. This intergovernmental body, headquartered in Shanghai, aims to promote global AI governance, according to Chinese state media.
The World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai is a significant event, attracting over 1,100 companies and 1,400 guests. Tech giant Huawei is scheduled to showcase its AI computing system, the Atlas 950 SuperPoD.
Some technology analysts suggest that China has emerged as an AI innovator, moving beyond its previous role of catching up with the U.S. China's national development plan through 2030 prioritizes advancements in science and technology, with AI being a key focus. Furthermore, China's open-source AI models, such as DeepSeek, are increasingly viewed as competitive and more affordable alternatives to the predominantly closed-source U.S. AI models, particularly in the developing world.