Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a new global AI order, positioning China as an alternative to U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence.
Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Xi urged countries to embrace open-source AI and promised to help developing nations build their AI capabilities. He warned that unequal access to the technology could create "new historical injustices."
Xi said China wants AI to become a shared global resource rather than one controlled by a few countries. He also proposed stronger international cooperation on AI governance, standards, and safety.
Although Xi did not directly mention the United States, his remarks were widely seen as a challenge to Washington's influence over the future of AI. Chinese officials have increasingly promoted Beijing's open-source approach as an alternative to U.S.-led initiatives on AI and advanced technology.
The speech comes as Chinese AI models continue to narrow the gap with leading American companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic. It also marked Xi's most detailed public comments on AI safety and international regulation.
The growing competition between China and the United States is no longer limited to trade or military power. It is now expanding into the race to shape the future of artificial intelligence.
Author: Saikat Bhattacharya
