China has called for greater international cooperation on artificial intelligence development and governance, even as it warned that growing national security restrictions could fragment global AI innovation. The remarks were made by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, where policymakers, technology executives and researchers gathered to discuss the future of AI and its governance.
In his keynote address, Xi said AI development should be guided through international collaboration rather than competition dominated by a single country. He argued that governments should work together to establish global rules for AI while ensuring that access to the technology remains inclusive, particularly for developing nations.
The comments come against the backdrop of an intensifying technology rivalry between China and the United States. Washington has imposed export controls on advanced semiconductors and AI technologies destined for China, citing national security concerns. Beijing has consistently criticised these measures, arguing that they hinder technological progress and restrict fair access to innovation.
Addressing delegates at the summit, Xi said AI "should not be a solo performance by a single country" and urged nations to avoid expanding the definition of national security in ways that could restrict international cooperation. He also stressed that AI governance should balance innovation with safeguards, calling for systems that ensure AI remains secure, reliable and under human control.
As part of China's broader AI diplomacy, Xi announced several initiatives aimed at strengthening AI capabilities in developing economies. These include providing 5,000 AI training opportunities over the next five years and expanding cooperation with regional organisations including ASEAN, the African Union, the League of Arab States, BRICS and Latin American partners. The initiatives are intended to support AI adoption while narrowing technology gaps between developed and emerging markets.
China also introduced the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), a new multilateral initiative that seeks to promote collaboration on AI governance, standards and technology development. Reports indicate that nearly 30 countries have joined the initiative, reflecting Beijing's effort to play a larger role in shaping international AI policy frameworks.
The annual WAIC conference also showcased China's latest AI advancements, including large language models, AI chips, robotics and enterprise AI applications. Chinese companies have accelerated development in recent months as domestic firms respond to export restrictions by investing more heavily in homegrown AI technologies and infrastructure.
Industry observers note that AI governance has become one of the defining policy debates globally as governments seek to encourage innovation while addressing concerns around safety, cybersecurity, misinformation and military applications. China's latest proposals position the country as an advocate for a more open international AI ecosystem, even as geopolitical competition continues to shape technology policies across major economies.
The developments underscore how AI has evolved beyond a technological race into a strategic geopolitical issue, with competing visions emerging over governance, access to advanced technologies and the rules that will shape the next phase of global AI development.