Xi Pitches China as AI Partner to Developing World, Cautions Against Risks and Overreach

In a significant address at the World AI Conference in Shanghai, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended an invitation to the Global South, positioning China as a key partner in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence. Xi emphasized the importance of collective action in AI development, advocating for a collaborative approach that prioritizes the empowerment of developing nations.

During his remarks, President Xi announced a substantial initiative to bolster AI talent in emerging economies. China will offer 5,000 training and seminar opportunities in artificial intelligence to developing countries. Furthermore, Beijing signaled its intent to deepen AI cooperation with key regional blocs, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the League of Arab States, and the African Union.

“China is willing to work with all parties to seize and address the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence development with a more open attitude, more pragmatic actions, and a longer-term vision,” stated President Xi, underscoring a commitment to global engagement in AI.

Xi articulated a vision for AI development that transcends nationalistic endeavors, describing it not as a “solo performance” by any single nation, but as a “symphony of international cooperation.” He reiterated China’s readiness to adopt a more open stance, implement practical measures, and embrace a forward-looking perspective.

These pronouncements arrive in the wake of a significant development: 29 countries have signed an agreement in Shanghai to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), which will be headquartered in the city. This initiative signals a concerted effort to create a global framework for AI collaboration and governance.

President Xi also highlighted the critical need for enhanced risk awareness in AI development, stressing that the technology must remain “secure and controllable” and “always under human control.” He cautioned against the overextension of national security doctrines into the AI domain, urging nations to avoid prioritizing their own security at the expense of others.

While President Xi did not explicitly name any specific nation, his remarks can be interpreted against the backdrop of escalating technological competition. The United States has implemented a series of export control measures aimed at limiting China’s access to advanced technologies, particularly in the semiconductor and AI sectors. These restrictions began to tighten during the Trump administration, with notable actions such as placing Huawei on the Commerce Department’s Entity List in 2019. The Biden administration has since continued and expanded these controls, notably with measures introduced in 2022 to restrict China’s acquisition of advanced computing chips and its ability to manufacture sophisticated semiconductors, citing national security concerns.

The impact of these geopolitical tensions on the global technology landscape is evident. Leading chip designer Nvidia, for instance, has experienced a significant decline in its market share within China. In its annual report, the company acknowledged its inability to develop and deliver competitive products for China’s data center market that would satisfy both Beijing and Washington. This strategic challenge has effectively precluded Nvidia from participating in a crucial segment of the market, providing opportunities for competitors to expand their ecosystems and customer bases globally.