Global Times: China sends fresh signal on global AI cooperation at WAIC

Global AI cooperation is the focus of Xi Jinping’s message at the 2026 World AI Conference (WAIC), where the Chinese president urged that AI progress should be driven by international partnership rather than isolated national efforts. Speaking at the opening ceremony and a high-level meeting on global AI governance on July 17, 2026 in Beijing, Xi said China is ready to be more open and take practical steps while offering a more visionary outlook. He called for open-source and collaboration to support innovation and real-world, scenario-based AI adoption, alongside stronger risk awareness and ensuring AI remains under human control. Xi also highlighted the need to align AI governance rules with UN involvement, aid Global South capacity building, and avoid widening the AI and digital divide. Over the next five years, China plans 5,000 AI training and seminar opportunities for developing countries and will expand application cooperation centers with ASEAN, the League of Arab States, the African Union, and others.