Xi warns on AI risks, urges global rules as US-China tech war heats up

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his first speech to the World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, calling for “openness” and strict regulations to keep artificial intelligence “secure and controllable.” Xi stressed that AI brings both opportunities and dangers, urging nations to cooperate on safety standards. The address signals that AI is now a national strategic priority for China. Beijing is racing to build technological self-reliance as its rivalry with the United States intensifies. Xi did not mention the US directly, but his emphasis on control and security comes as Washington and Beijing clash over tariffs, chips, and data flows. Earlier this week, former US President Donald Trump blasted China’s trade policies and threatened new tariffs, escalating tensions that already impact the tech sector. The combined moves underscore how AI has become a central battleground in the world’s most important economic competition.