Xi pushes secure AI strategy as China expands global initiative

China is stepping up its global artificial intelligence ambitions as President Xi Jinping called for a "secure and controllable" AI ecosystem during the World AI Conference in Shanghai on Friday. Addressing growing technological competition and governance concerns, Xi announced the creation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, a new platform bringing together 29 countries with its headquarters in Shanghai.

Global AI governance takes center stage

Describing artificial intelligence as a transformative force, Xi said the rapid pace of innovation is creating both unprecedented opportunities and complex regulatory challenges. He stressed that governments must answer critical questions surrounding algorithmic decision-making, ethical standards, public safety, and equal access to AI technologies as adoption accelerates worldwide.

According to Xi, these issues require coordinated international action rather than isolated national approaches. He also described AI as an important product of human knowledge and argued that technological progress should serve the broader interests of humanity.

Calls for security, regulation and cooperation

Xi urged countries to strengthen legal frameworks governing artificial intelligence, establish early warning mechanisms, and improve emergency response systems to manage potential technological risks. "AI should be a trusted tool for humanity," he said, emphasizing that innovation must remain subject to human control and responsible oversight.

He also cautioned against expanding national security arguments in ways that could restrict international technological cooperation. Instead, Xi encouraged countries to pursue open collaboration and avoid policies that prioritize one nation's technological security at the expense of others.

New initiatives for developing countries

As part of China's broader AI strategy, Xi announced 5,000 training and seminar opportunities over the next five years for participants from developing countries. The initiative is intended to expand technical expertise while promoting broader participation in the global AI economy.

Reaffirming support for multilateral institutions, Xi highlighted the United Nations as an essential platform for shaping international AI governance. "AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation," he said, calling for deeper global partnerships as competition in advanced technologies continues to intensify.