Chinese President Xi Jinping called for enhanced international collaboration in artificial intelligence development during the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on Friday. Emphasizing that AI progress should not be dominated by any single nation, Xi described the process as a "symphony of international cooperation."

At the four-day event, which brings together more than 1,000 technology companies, government officials, researchers, and industry experts from across China, Xi highlighted the need for a cooperative global framework to address the challenges posed by AI. He warned against the excessive extension of national security concerns in the AI sector and cautioned against prioritizing one country's security at the expense of others.

China’s AI advancements have accelerated in recent years, with domestic models closing the gap with leading American counterparts and attracting users worldwide through competitive pricing. However, the question of regulating AI technology remains pressing, given rising worries about military applications, cybersecurity threats, and unauthorized uses by malicious actors.

“AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation,” Xi said. He outlined the necessity of establishing legal frameworks, regulatory measures, technological oversight, early warning systems, and contingency plans to ensure AI remains under human control and aligned with a “people-centric” approach.

The conference features around 3,000 products, including advanced semiconductor systems designed for AI computing and innovative devices such as smartphones capable of autonomously operating applications. Observers at WAIC closely followed Xi’s remarks as an indication of China’s strategic priorities not only in AI innovation but also in governance.

The international AI landscape remains shaped by geopolitical tensions. The United States and the European Union maintain restrictions on technology exports to China, citing national security risks. Within the U.S., debates continue over the stewardship and control of cutting-edge AI technologies developed by private labs.

Shengyun Lu, founder of Shanghai-based consultancy Praxis Advisory, noted that China aims to lead both in AI technological development and governance. Lu advocated for regulatory measures comparable to those applied in nuclear power, underlining the need for stringent oversight given AI’s potential impact.

The WAIC serves as a focal point for showcasing China’s technological progress and advancing dialogue on the responsible deployment and governance of AI at a time when the future of the technology remains a paramount global concern.