Xi: AI presents great opportunities and governance challenges

Delivering a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance on Friday, President Xi Jinping stressed that humanity must answer the pressing questions of the times. He raised critical concerns regarding how humans can get along with thinking machines, how security can be ensured when algorithms are involved in decision-making, and how ethical challenges can be tackled through adaptive governance. Pointing out the widening technological gap, Xi said the question of how to realize 'AI for all' demands serious consideration and answers from the entire international community.

FOUR OBSERVATIONS ON AI DEVELOPMENT

During his address, President Xi presented four main observations regarding AI development and global governance. First, he highlighted the importance of adhering to the principle of openness and win-win cooperation to boost innovation-driven development. He called for encouraging open-source collaboration and sharing to facilitate industrial development and scenario-based AI applications.

Second, Xi underscored the need to strengthen risk awareness and ensure that AI is secure and controllable. Stressing that AI must always remain under human control, he urged all sides to jointly oppose overstretching the national security concept in the AI field or placing one country's security over that of others.

Third, Xi encouraged inclusiveness and the promotion of mutual learning among civilizations. He noted that AI development and its application should not erode or undermine the diversity of world civilizations or the uniqueness of different cultures.

As his fourth observation, the Chinese President advocated for solidarity and the improvement of global governance. Recognizing the important role of the United Nations, Xi called for further alignment and coordination on AI development strategies, governance rules, and technical standards.

Concluding his remarks with an emphasis on international equality, Xi stated, “We must carry out extensive international cooperation and help Global South countries with capacity building to bridge the AI and digital divides, promote sustainable development and prevent creating new historical injustice in AI.”