Woofun AI reports that President Xi Jinping delivered the keynote address at the opening of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence in Shanghai, establishing a new strategic direction for international AI policy.

The ceremonial proceedings took place on the morning of July 17 along the Huangpu River, where dignitaries convened at the World Reception Hall. Xi Jinping posed for a group photograph with heads of state, government leaders, heads of international organizations, and heads of delegations from participating nations. Amidst sustained applause, he presented his keynote speech, titled "Working Together to Build a Fair and Reasonable Global Governance System for Artificial Intelligence," setting the thematic tone for the summit.

Xi Jinping characterized the current era as one of accelerated "century of changes," driven by a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation. He noted that global innovation in artificial intelligence has entered an unprecedented active period, presenting both massive opportunities and complex governance challenges. The core question for humanity, he argued, involves coexistence with thinking machines, ensuring safety in algorithmic decision-making, and maintaining ethical governance as technology advances. To address these issues, he advocated for a people-centered, upward and benevolent philosophy, aiming to transform AI into a driving force for common prosperity and common security.

The first pillar of his proposal emphasized openness and win-win cooperation to drive innovative development. Xi Jinping urged the international community to seize historical opportunities by encouraging open-source models and cooperative sharing. This approach aims to comprehensively promote technological innovation, industrial development, and diverse application scenarios. The goal is to collaboratively advance the transformation of traditional industries, cultivate emerging industries, and lay the groundwork for future industries, thereby allowing AI to empower various economic sectors.

Second, he called for strengthened risk awareness to ensure safety and controllability. Addressing endogenous and derivative risks, Xi Jinping promoted the establishment of robust legal regulations, technical monitoring, risk warning, and emergency response systems. He stressed the necessity of building a solid safety bottom line to prevent abuse and malicious use, ensuring that AI remains under human control.

Furthermore, he jointly opposed the practice of generalizing national security concepts in the AI field, arguing against prioritizing one nation's security over others.

The third proposal focused on inclusiveness and mutual learning among civilizations. Xi Jinping suggested shaping AI values with the common values of humanity, using technology to enhance understanding and tolerance. He advocated for promoting exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations, aiming to carefully cultivate a "garden of civilizations" where each culture's beauty is appreciated and shared, rather than allowing technology to deepen cultural divides.

Fourth, he advocated for solidarity and improved global governance through true multilateralism. Xi Jinping emphasized the important role of the United Nations in coordinating AI development strategies, governance rules, and technical standards. The objective is to form a globally recognized governance framework that allows this cutting-edge technology to benefit human society. Crucially, he highlighted the need to help countries in the Global South strengthen capacity building, bridge the digital divide, and promote sustainable development, thereby avoiding new historical injustices in the AI era.

Per Woofun AI, China’s domestic progress serves as a foundation for these international proposals. Xi Jinping noted that the current year marks the beginning of China's "14th Five-Year Plan," which outlines a blueprint for economic and social development over the next five years. By combining an effective market with a proactive government, China has strengthened AI technological innovation and promoted the "Artificial Intelligence +" initiative. The core industry of the intelligent economy has exceeded one trillion yuan, making "Made in China" a bright business card of Chinese-style modernization. Simultaneously, China has balanced development and security by improving laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines to ensure AI is safe, reliable, and controllable.

To operationalize its commitment to global public goods, Xi Jinping announced the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization in Shanghai. This initiative responds to the voices of the Global South and unites the international community in promoting AI development and governance. Over the next five years, China will provide 5,000 training slots for specialized AI workshops for developing countries.

Additionally, it will establish international AI application cooperation centers for ASEAN, the Arab League, the African Union, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS countries. The "Mazu" meteorological intelligent early warning program will also be implemented in 30 countries, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to bridging the digital divide.

International reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with speeches from Kazakhstan's President Tokayev, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, and UN Secretary-General Guterres. They congratulated the signing of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization agreement and praised China's contributions to global AI governance. The conference concluded with the issuance of the "Chairman's Statement of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence."

On the evening of July 16, Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a welcome banquet for international dignitaries at the World Reception Hall. Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, and others attended the activities, with Chen Jining hosting the opening ceremony. This marks a significant consolidation of China's role as a central architect in the emerging global AI governance framework.