On the morning of July 17, President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance at the World Expo Center in Shanghai, where he delivered a keynote speech.

By the banks of the Huangpu River, a new wave of progress is rising. The World Conference Center is filled with distinguished guests.

Xi Jinping posed for a group photo with the heads of state, heads of government, leaders of international organizations, and heads of delegations in attendance.

Amidst warm applause, Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech titled "Join Hands to Build a Fair and Reasonable Global AI Governance System."

Xi Jinping pointed out that profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world, and a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is making rapid breakthroughs. Global innovation in artificial intelligence technology has entered a period of unprecedented dynamism, bringing both immense opportunities and governance challenges. Humanity must confront the questions of our time: How do we coexist with machines when they begin to think? How do we ensure security when algorithms participate in decision-making? How do we keep governance in step when technology challenges ethics? How do we achieve inclusive benefits as the digital divide widens? China believes that all countries should uphold a people-centered approach and the principle of "AI for Good," making artificial intelligence a powerful engine for shared prosperity and common security, and working together to build a fair and reasonable global AI governance system.

Xi Jinping put forward four proposals in this regard:

First, uphold openness and mutual benefit, and drive innovation-led development. Seize rare historical opportunities to encourage open-source collaboration and shared progress; comprehensively promote technological innovation, industrial growth, and application scenarios for artificial intelligence; and synergistically advance the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, the cultivation and expansion of emerging industries, and the forward-looking layout of future industries, thereby empowering a vast array of sectors with AI.

Second, strengthen risk awareness and ensure safety and controllability. Attach great importance to the various inherent and derivative risks associated with AI; establish systems for laws and regulations, technical monitoring, risk early warning, and emergency response; reinforce safety safeguards; prevent misuse and abuse; and ensure that AI remains under human control. Jointly oppose the practice of overstretching the concept of national security in the AI field or placing one's own security above that of others.

Third, encourage inclusiveness and promote mutual learning among civilizations. Shape AI values based on the shared values of humanity; leverage AI technology to enhance understanding and tolerance among diverse civilizations and foster mutual learning; and cultivate a vibrant garden of civilizations where each is beautiful in its own right and all share in a collective beauty.

Fourth, advocate solidarity and cooperation, and improve global governance. Practice true multilateralism and effectively leverage the important role of the United Nations; strengthen coordination on AI development strategies, governance rules, and technical standards; work toward an early global governance framework based on broad consensus; and enable this frontier technology to better benefit human society. Assist Global South nations in capacity building, bridging the digital and intelligent divide, and promoting sustainable development, so as to avoid creating new historical injustices in the field of AI.

Xi Jinping emphasized that this year marks the launch of China’s "15th Five-Year Plan." This plan outlines a blueprint for China’s economic and social development over the next five years and offers a list of opportunities for the international community. In recent years, China has combined the roles of an effective market and a proactive government, strengthened technological innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), actively advanced the "AI+" initiative, and fostered a healthy ecosystem where diverse entities thrive together. The scale of core industries in the intelligent economy has surpassed one trillion yuan, and "Smart Manufacturing in China" has become another shining hallmark of Chinese modernization. At the same time, China prioritizes both development and security, continuously refining relevant laws, regulations, policies, application standards, and ethical guidelines to ensure that AI remains safe, reliable, and controllable. As a responsible major country, China is committed to being a provider of international public goods in the AI sector, consistently contributing Chinese solutions.

Xi Jinping noted that, through the joint efforts of all parties, the World AI Cooperation Organization has been established in Shanghai. This is a major initiative by China to heed the call of the Global South and unite the international community in actively promoting AI development and governance; it marks a significant milestone in the history of AI development. To further support global AI development and capacity building, China will, over the next five years, provide 5,000 training opportunities on AI-related topics to developing countries; establish international AI application cooperation centers with ASEAN, the Arab League, the African Union, CELAC, the SCO, and BRICS; and facilitate the implementation of the "Mazu" intelligent meteorological early-warning system in 30 countries. With greater openness, pragmatic actions, and a long-term vision, China stands ready to work with all parties to seize opportunities and address challenges in AI development, jointly creating a better future for humanity.

Kazakhstan's President Tokayev, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin, and UN Secretary-General Guterres delivered remarks. They warmly congratulated the signing of the agreement establishing the World AI Cooperation Organization in Shanghai, highly commended China's significant contributions to global AI governance, and expressed strong support for the initiatives and measures proposed by President Xi Jinping. All parties acknowledged that while AI holds the promise of becoming a major opportunity for human development, it also entails potential risks. China advocates for AI that is beneficial, inclusive, and secure—and under control—while actively assisting developing countries in capacity building and promoting international cooperation, thereby demonstrating the responsibility of a major nation. AI technology should be shared and governed collectively by all nations to ensure equitable benefits, serve the sustainable development of humanity, and bridge the global digital and intelligence divide as well as the North-South development gap. The opportunities and challenges presented by AI transcend national borders, requiring concerted global cooperation to harness the former and address the latter. There is a shared hope and confidence that the World AI Cooperation Organization will play a pivotal role in this endeavor, fostering open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial cooperation to build a future that is safe and prosperous—leaving no country behind.

The conference issued the "Chair's Statement of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance."

On the evening of July 16, Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, hosted a welcome banquet for international guests attending the event at the World Expo Reception Center.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, and others attended the aforementioned events.

Chen Jining presided over the opening ceremony.

Source: CCTV News

Editor: Cheng Qian