Xi offers four observations on AI development, governance

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, east China, July 17, 2026. [Photo by Huang Jingwen/Xinhua]

SHANGHAI, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday 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.

First, adhering to the principle of openness and win-win cooperation while boosting innovation-driven development. Xi highlighted the importance of encouraging open-source, openness, collaboration and sharing to facilitate technological innovation, industrial development and scenario-based application of AI.

Second, strengthening risk awareness and ensuring that AI is secure and controllable. Stressing the need to ensure that AI is always under human control, Xi urged all sides to jointly oppose overstretching the national security concept in the field of AI or placing one country's security over that of others.

Third, encouraging inclusiveness and promoting mutual learning among civilizations. AI development and its application should not erode or undermine the diversity of world civilizations or the uniqueness of cultures of different countries, according to Xi.

Fourth, advocating solidarity and improving global governance. The important role of the United Nations should be recognized, Xi said, calling for further alignment and coordination on AI development strategies, governance rules and technical standards.

"We must carry out extensive international cooperation and help Global South countries with capacity building to bridge the AI and digital divides, promote sustainable development and prevent creating new historical injustice in AI," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping poses for photos with foreign heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, and heads of delegations attending the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, east China, July 17, 2026. Xi delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the conference held here on Friday. [Photo by Yin Bogu/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, east China, July 17, 2026. [Photo by Shen Hong/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, east China, July 17, 2026. [Photo by Xie Huanchi/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan hold a banquet to welcome international dignitaries who are here to attend the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, east China, July 16, 2026. Xi delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the conference held here on Friday. [Photo by Wang Ye/Xinhua]