Full Breakdown
Xi Jinping’s First WAIC Keynote Signals China’s AI Diplomacy Drive
7/17/2026, 6:27:56 AM
Core Event: Xi’s Opening Address at WAIC 2026
On July 17-20 2026, President Xi Jinping delivered his inaugural keynote at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, marking his first in-person appearance at the event since its 2018 launch.
Background & Context
AI has been elevated to a core pillar of China’s national strategy. After proposing the Global AI Governance Initiative in 2023, Beijing hosted a high-level meeting on global AI governance alongside this year’s WAIC, themed “AI Cooperation for a Brighter Future.”
Key Figures & Groups
- Xi Jinping – President of China.
- Lin Jian – Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- George Chen – Chair, digital practice, Asia Group.
- International guests include UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and Turing Award laureates Yoshua Bengio and Richard Sutton.
Data & Statistics
- Over 1,100 companies, 3,000 products, >300 global debuts.
- Exhibition space exceeds 100,000 m², with 140 forums and 1,400 guests.
- Huawei’s Atlas 950 SuperPoD links thousands of Ascend AI processors.
- DeepSeek’s market share rose from 9 % to 18 % (June); Stanford’s AI Index cites a 2.7-point performance gap between leading U.S. and Chinese models, while another source reports a 2-point gap.
Why It Matters / Impact
The conference showcases China’s push for self-reliant AI hardware amid U.S. export controls, while promoting low-cost, open-source models to developing nations. The proposed World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO) aims to shape global AI norms, contrasting with U.S./EU emphasis on safety and human-rights safeguards.
Official Statements & Responses
- “AI technology innovation is achieving broad breakthroughs and demonstrating unprecedented dynamism.” — Lin Jian, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- “The development of AI must never move toward a technological monopoly…should always be anchored to the fundamental goal of serving humanity.” — People’s Daily commentary.
- China’s 2024 government work report calls for a “new form of intelligent economy,” expanding the “AI+” campaign, accelerating commercialization, and strengthening technology governance.
Criticism & Opposition
Major U.S. tech firms are largely absent, reflecting tensions over export restrictions. An Asian diplomat noted China’s self-portrayal as a champion of developing countries, while critics warn the push could deepen a bifurcated global tech ecosystem. No nation has formally joined WAICO, casting doubt on its immediate influence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Against this backdrop, WAIC has become more than a technology showcase; it is now a geopolitical stage where Beijing seeks to articulate its vision ?of AI as both a national priority and a diplomatic instrument,” — George Chen, Asia Group
- “AI has entered a period of explosive development.” — Xi Jinping (speech at a Shanghai incubator, 2025)
- “China has been making inroads with Southeast Asian countries in terms of AI capacity-building, and portrays itself as speaking up for developing countries who are being left behind in the AI race,” — Asian diplomat (anonymous)
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Stanford’s AI Index reports a 2.7-point gap, while another source cites a 2-point gap, indicating uncertainty in exact performance differentials.
- Membership details for WAICO remain unclear; no country has announced formal participation.
What’s Next
The High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, running concurrently with WAIC, will discuss AI safety, national sovereignty, and cooperation frameworks, potentially advancing the WAICO proposal and shaping future international AI policy.
