Xi Jinping renews the global technology challenge
Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled Beijing's most ambitious international artificial intelligence strategy, proposing a new global AI order led by China as an alternative to U.S. influence. The announcement came during the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, China's flagship AI event.
In his speech, Xi argued that artificial intelligence represents a historic transformation comparable to the invention of the steam engine and electricity. According to the Chinese leader, the world faces a unique opportunity that should not be monopolized by a handful of nations or major Western technology companies.
China therefore aims to present itself as the champion of an open, collaborative and inclusive AI model, particularly benefiting developing countries while offering an alternative to American technological leadership.
A China-led international coalition
Xi's strategy centers on building a broad international AI cooperation network led by Beijing.
China plans to share open-source AI models, technical expertise, training programs and digital infrastructure with countries across the Global South, including Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia and many BRICS members.
According to Xi, the goal is to prevent "new historical injustices" in which only advanced economies benefit from the AI revolution while emerging nations are left behind.
The proposal also serves as a direct response to the U.S.-led "Pax Silica" initiative, designed to coordinate allied countries on AI security and strategic semiconductor and critical mineral supply chains.
Although Xi never explicitly mentioned the United States, his speech clearly outlined two competing visions for the future of artificial intelligence.
WAICO becomes China's diplomatic AI platform
During the conference, Xi officially introduced the World AI Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), a new international body created by China to coordinate global cooperation on artificial intelligence.
Xi described WAICO as "a milestone in the history of global AI development."
The organization launches with 29 member countries and aims to become a leading international forum for AI governance, technological standards and cooperation.
Beijing intends to use WAICO to strengthen its diplomatic influence among developing economies by providing technical assistance, training and access to Chinese AI technologies.
Open-source AI at the center of China's strategy
A key pillar of Xi's vision is the promotion of open-source artificial intelligence.
According to the Chinese president, making advanced AI models openly available will enable more countries, universities, businesses and researchers to develop their own applications without relying exclusively on large Western technology companies.
Chinese AI firms have rapidly narrowed the technological gap with their American competitors.
During the Shanghai conference, Beijing-based startup Moonshot AI unveiled Kimi K3, described as the world's largest open-weight AI model by parameter count, while Chinese systems continue closing the performance gap with OpenAI and Anthropic.
This progress strengthens Beijing's belief that it can directly compete with the United States in next-generation AI development.
Xi addresses AI safety for the first time
For the first time, Xi Jinping devoted a significant portion of his speech to artificial intelligence safety.
He stated that AI systems must always remain under meaningful human control and urged governments worldwide to establish early-warning mechanisms and emergency response systems to manage AI-related risks.
Xi also warned against scenarios in which autonomous AI systems could escape effective human oversight.
These remarks represent the clearest public statement the Chinese leader has made regarding AI safety.
AI diplomacy aimed at the Global South
China's strategy extends beyond technology itself.
Xi announced new AI cooperation programs with BRICS, ASEAN, the African Union and Latin American countries through joint research centers, training initiatives and technology transfer.
The objective is to strengthen China's diplomatic influence throughout the Global South, where Beijing already enjoys significant economic and political leverage through initiatives such as the Belt and Road.
Many analysts believe artificial intelligence will become one of China's most important foreign policy tools in the coming years.
Growing competition with the United States
Xi's announcement comes as Washington and Beijing prepare for their first government-level AI talks under President Donald Trump's administration.
The United States argues that excessive regulation could slow innovation, while China promotes shared standards and broader access to AI technologies for developing nations.
Currently, 35 countries support the U.S.-backed AI Opportunity Statement, while 29 have joined China's new WAICO initiative.
For many observers, these parallel frameworks mark the beginning of a global geopolitical competition to define the future rules governing artificial intelligence.
AI leadership becomes a geopolitical contest
Xi Jinping's speech marks a turning point in China's international strategy.
Beijing is no longer focused solely on catching up technologically with the United States. It now seeks to shape the global rules, standards and governance of artificial intelligence.
The competition is no longer limited to companies such as OpenAI and China's emerging AI developers. It has become a broader geopolitical struggle between Washington and Beijing over who will define the future architecture of the AI era.