President Xi Jinping delivered his first keynote speech at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on Friday [1].

The address signals Beijing's intent to challenge U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence by positioning China as the primary provider of accessible technology for developing nations.

Speaking at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Xi outlined a vision for AI development that he described as a "people‑centred approach" [2]. He said the technology must not be restricted to a few powerful entities but should instead be a tool for broad societal benefit [2].

"AI should be for all, and China will make it affordable and accessible," Xi said [3].

As part of this strategy, the Chinese leader announced the creation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, or WAICO [4]. This new governance body is specifically designed for the Global South to ensure that AI development remains inclusive, and does not create a digital divide between wealthy and developing economies [4].

Xi said, "We are launching WAICO, a governance body for the Global South, to ensure inclusive AI development" [4].

The conference, which runs from July 17 to July 20 [5], serves as a primary stage for China to showcase its regulatory framework and technical capabilities. By promoting a model of AI diplomacy, Beijing aims to build a coalition of partner nations that prefer Chinese governance standards over those proposed by the U.S. [2, 4].

This debut appearance by Xi at the summit underscores the high priority the Chinese government has placed on AI as a pillar of national security and economic growth. The move comes amid intensifying rivalry between the two superpowers over semiconductor access and algorithmic control [2].

“"AI should be for all, and China will make it affordable and accessible."”

The launch of WAICO represents a strategic pivot by China to export its AI governance model. By targeting the Global South, Beijing is not merely seeking market share for its software, but is attempting to establish an alternative international standard for AI ethics and regulation that competes directly with Western frameworks.