By He Yin, People’s Daily
On July 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai and delivered a keynote speech.
In the speech, he put forward four observations on global AI development and governance, comprehensively outlining China’s policy positions and guiding principles on AI development and governance.
The international community has spoken highly of China’s contributions to global AI governance. Many observers noted that China’s proposals offer a clear vision for the future of the global AI industry, while its commitment to openness and shared development will help ensure that AI benefits all humanity.
They believe Xi’s initiatives provide a Chinese solution for narrowing the global digital and AI divide and promoting AI development for good and for all.
The world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, while a new wave of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is advancing at an accelerated pace. AI innovation has entered an unprecedented period of rapid development, bringing enormous opportunities alongside increasingly complex governance challenges.
Human beings must answer the questions posed by the times: How to get along with thinking machines? How to ensure security when algorithm is part of decision making? How to tackle ethical challenges by technologies through adaptive governance? How to realize AI for all when the divide keeps widening?
To this end, Xi shared four observations. He said the world should adhere to the principle of openness and win-win and boost innovation-driven development, strengthen risk-awareness and ensure that AI is secure and controllable, encourage inclusiveness and promote mutual learning between civilizations, and advocate solidarity and improve global governance.
These proposals provide important guidance for building a fairer and more equitable global AI governance system. They have received broad recognition and positive responses from the international community.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that he fully agrees with the important proposals put forward by Xi, particularly the emphasis on AI that is beneficial, inclusive and safe, noting that these principles closely align with the UN’s vision and strategic objectives.
As a responsible major country, China is always committed to providing international public goods relating to AI.
Since proposing the Global AI Governance Initiative, China has promoted the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution on Enhancing International Cooperation on Capacity-Building of Artificial Intelligence by consensus. It has published the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All, announced the AI Plus International Cooperation Initiative, continuously contributing Chinese solutions to the sound and inclusive development of AI.
Through the joint efforts of all relevant parties, the World AI Cooperation Organization has been established in Shanghai. The organization represents a major step by China in responding to the aspirations of the Global South and bringing the international community together to advance AI development and governance. It marks an important milestone in the history of AI development.
Many countries have expressed confidence that the organization will play a significant role in promoting open, inclusive, equal and mutually beneficial cooperation, and in building a safer, more prosperous future in which no country is left behind.
Taking a people-centered approach and developing AI for the positive and for good, China has continued to leverage its own AI development to promote shared global progress, ensuring that AI becomes a powerful force for improving people’s well-being and advancing human civilization.
In recent years, China has strengthened AI innovation and actively advanced the AI Plus Initiative. The core smart economy industries are worth at least 1 trillion yuan ($147.64 billion). The country’s capabilities in technological innovation and real-world AI applications remain among the world’s leading.
Chinese AI technologies are increasingly delivering tangible benefits around the world. AI-powered clinics have been introduced in Saudi Arabia to improve primary health care services, while autonomous driving technologies are helping upgrade Singapore’s logistics industry. A growing number of high-quality Chinese AI products and solutions are reaching international markets, improving people’s livelihoods across the globe and making “Intelligent Manufacturing in China” a distinctive hallmark of Chinese modernization.
To further support global AI development and advance global AI capacity building, in the next five years, China will provide developing countries with 5,000 opportunities in AI training and seminar programs.
It will develop international AI application cooperation centers with 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 BRICS.
It will also enable 30 countries to use the AI-powered meteorological warning system, or MAZU, to safeguard homes around the world. These initiatives will provide fresh momentum for capacity building and sustainable development across the Global South.
AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation. China is ready to be more open, take more practical actions, and assume a more visionary perspective. It is ready to work with all parties to seize the opportunities of AI development and meet the challenges, and join hands to create a brighter future for humanity.