Xi Jinping calls for global AI cooperation, warns against 'One Nation' dominating technology

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for greater international cooperation in the development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI), saying the technology should not become "a solo performance by a single country" but instead evolve through global collaboration.

Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Xi stressed that AI should benefit all nations and be developed under a fair and inclusive international framework.

Without naming any country directly, Xi criticised restrictions on technology sharing and export controls that, he said, could hinder innovation and widen the technological gap between developed and developing nations.

He urged the international community to strengthen cooperation on AI governance, promote open-source development where appropriate, and ensure the technology remains safe, secure and under human control. China also announced initiatives to expand AI training and technical support for developing countries and backed the creation of a new international AI cooperation platform.

Xi's remarks come amid intensifying competition between China and the United States over leadership in artificial intelligence. His address highlighted Beijing's effort to position itself as a champion of multilateral AI governance while advocating broader access to emerging technologies for countries across the Global South.