Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that artificial intelligence development "should not be a solo performance by a single country" during a keynote address at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on Friday, advocating for international cooperation in the field.
Xi’s Vision for Equitable AI Access
In his remarks, Xi emphasized a "people-centred" approach to AI, stressing the need for equitable access to AI capacity-building for developing nations to avoid "new historical injustices." He announced plans for China to collaborate with international bodies, including those in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and BRICS countries, to expand AI opportunities globally.
Xi also cautioned against overstretching national security concepts in AI governance, stating, "We should jointly oppose... placing one country’s security over that of others." His comments come amid escalating tensions, as the U.S. and EU have imposed restrictions on Chinese tech imports over security concerns.
China’s AI Growth and Energy Advantage
China’s AI sector has seen rapid expansion, with daily consumption of AI "tokens" increasing a thousandfold over the past two years, according to state media. While China trails the U.S. in advanced semiconductor access, it leads in powering data centers, which require vast energy resources. The country generates more than twice the electricity of the U.S., a gap expected to widen due to state-led energy investments.
Xi underscored the importance of regulatory frameworks to ensure AI remains under human control, calling for laws, technological monitoring, and emergency response systems. The conference highlighted China’s push to rival U.S. dominance in AI, with cost-effective models attracting global users.
