Xi: AI must be a global symphony, not a solo act

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for international cooperation in artificial intelligence on July 17, opening the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai. It was his first in-person appearance at the event. “Artificial intelligence should not be a solo performance by one country, but a symphony of international cooperation,” Xi said. The conference signals China’s push to shape global AI rules as competition with the United States intensifies. Beijing wants to position itself as a leader in AI governance, not just development. The meeting in Shanghai brings together government officials, tech executives, and researchers from multiple countries. Discussions focus on safety standards, ethical guidelines, and data-sharing frameworks. China’s message is clear: no single nation should dominate the AI race. Instead, the world must work together to manage the technology’s risks and rewards.