President Xi Jinping attended the World AI Conference in Shanghai on Friday, marking his first appearance at the event [1].
This move signals China's intention to lead the creation of international rules and cooperation frameworks for artificial intelligence. By positioning AI as a central pillar of its industrial development, Beijing aims to balance rapid technological growth with global governance [1, 2, 3].
The conference, which began July 17, is the largest iteration since the event's inception in 2018 [1, 2]. More than 1,100 companies exhibited their latest technologies at the Shanghai venue [1].
Xi said that China will maintain a more open posture and a long-term perspective to respond to the opportunities and challenges brought by AI development alongside other nations [1]. This approach aligns with the government's broader strategic goals to manage the trajectory of AI to ensure it benefits humanity [1, 3].
The push for AI leadership is not an isolated effort but part of a structured national strategy. According to the Chinese government, the nation intends to lead the world in AI, quantum technology, and other cutting-edge fields [3].
These ambitions are codified in the government's five-year plan, which explicitly identifies AI as a primary driver for industrial expansion [3]. The plan seeks to integrate these technologies into the core of the economy to maintain a competitive edge in the global market [3].
By hosting the event in Shanghai, China continues to promote the city as a global hub for innovation. The presence of the president underscores the high priority the state has placed on achieving technological sovereignty while advocating for a collaborative international environment [1, 2].
“China will maintain a more open posture and a long-term perspective”
Xi Jinping's first appearance at the World AI Conference indicates that AI has moved from a technical priority to a top-tier political objective. By framing China as a leader in 'international rules,' Beijing is attempting to challenge Western dominance in AI ethics and governance, ensuring that the global standards for the next industrial revolution align with Chinese state interests and its five-year economic plans.
