Chinese President Xi Jinping used the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai to present China as a partner for developing countries in artificial intelligence, while warning against excessive national security restrictions that could limit access to the technology.
Xi Frames AI as a Shared Global Opportunity
Xi’s message centered on access, cooperation and China’s role in helping countries outside the most advanced technology blocs.
CNBC reported that China released a global action plan for artificial intelligence, calling for international cooperation on technology development and governance.
AP News quoted Xi as saying artificial intelligence should not be a “solo performance by any single country” but a “symphony of global cooperation”.
The speech also positioned China as a counterweight to U.S.-led restrictions on advanced technology. Xi said China is willing to work with all parties with a more open attitude, more pragmatic actions and a longer-term vision in addressing AI opportunities and challenges. Xi criticized the “overstretching” of national security in AI and warned against placing one country’s security above another’s.
China Offers Training and AI Tools to Developing Countries
Xi announced specific commitments aimed at developing regions. China will provide developing countries with 5,000 opportunities in AI training and seminar programs. China will provide 5,000 AI training opportunities to developing countries over the next five years.
China also plans to expand AI partnerships across major regional blocs. Xi named cooperation with groups including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the League of Arab States and the African Union. Xi also mentioned cooperation with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS countries.
The offer included practical technology assistance. Xi promised to provide 30 countries access to a Chinese-developed AI meteorological tool for early warning systems. That pledge supports Beijing’s argument that AI cooperation can be tied to public services and disaster preparedness, not only commercial technology.
New AI Body Signals Rival Governance Push
The Shanghai event also followed the creation of a new China-backed AI cooperation body. 29 countries, including Pakistan, Russia and Kazakhstan, signed an agreement with China to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization.
The new organization may also be read as a response to Washington’s own AI alliances. George Chen of The Asia Group shared that the China-backed organization can be viewed as Beijing’s answer to the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative. Pax Silica focuses on AI-related supply chains and includes signatories such as Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Philippines, Israel and India.
AI Access Becomes a Geopolitical Contest
Xi’s speech shows how AI has become a diplomatic tool as much as a technological one. China is offering training, open cooperation and regional partnerships, while also criticizing security-based restrictions that Beijing sees as limiting global access to advanced AI.
More than 1,100 companies and 1,400 guests are participating in this year’s World Artificial Intelligence Conference. Xi framed China’s AI strategy around helping developing countries and addressing AI risks through wider international cooperation.
The message is clear: Beijing wants to be seen not only as an AI competitor to the United States, but as an alternative partner for countries seeking access to AI tools, training and governance influence. The challenge is whether China can turn that diplomatic pitch into trusted cooperation while global concerns over AI safety, security and technological dependence continue to grow.
