Shanghai, July 18, 2026 — Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for greater global cooperation on artificial intelligence, urging countries and technology companies to embrace “open-source, openness, collaboration, and sharing” in AI development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Xi said AI should become a global public good that benefits all nations rather than remaining concentrated in the hands of a few countries or companies. He emphasized that international cooperation is essential to ensure AI is developed safely, fairly, and inclusively.
Xi also warned against excessive restrictions on technology sharing, a remark widely seen as criticism of U.S. export controls and policies limiting access to advanced AI technologies. He said overemphasizing national security could hinder innovation and international collaboration.
As part of China’s AI strategy, Xi announced expanded support for developing countries, including 5,000 AI training opportunities over the next five years and deeper cooperation with partners across the Global South. China also highlighted its growing ecosystem of open-source AI models as an example of its commitment to a more open AI landscape.
The speech comes amid intensifying global competition between China and the United States over leadership in artificial intelligence, with Beijing positioning itself as a champion of open-source AI and multilateral governance.
