China's Xi says AI should not be dominated by one country

Chinese President Xi Jinping advocated for international cooperation in artificial intelligence development, asserting that the field should not be dominated by any single nation. Speaking at the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Xi urged a collaborative approach, describing AI development as a 'symphony of international cooperation' rather than a 'solo performance.'

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AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation.

Xi also called for joint opposition to the overextension of national security concepts within AI and cautioned against prioritizing one country's security over others. He stressed the importance of establishing laws, regulations, technological monitoring, early warning systems, and emergency response mechanisms to ensure AI remains 'always under human control,' promoting a 'people-centric' approach.

The conference, which gathered over 1,000 Chinese tech firms, officials, and researchers, showcased around 3,000 products, from advanced semiconductor systems to AI-powered smartphones. China's AI models are noted for catching up to leading US offerings and attracting global users with competitive pricing. However, the governance of AI, particularly concerning military applications and potential misuse by malicious actors, remains a significant global concern.

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We should jointly oppose overstretching the national security concept in the field of AI or placing one country’s security over that of others.

Shengyun Lu, an AI entrepreneur and founder of Shanghai consultancy Praxis Advisory, commented that China aims to lead not only in technological development but also in AI governance, suggesting AI should be regulated similarly to nuclear power. Lu also noted the absence of Western countries from a newly established intergovernmental AI cooperation group, attributing it to the EU's existing AI Act and the US's ongoing regulatory definitions.

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AI should be regulated like we regulate nuclear power.

On the preceding Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and representatives from 29 countries, including Russia, Pakistan, and Indonesia, agreed to form an intergovernmental AI cooperation group. The World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, headquartered in Shanghai, aims to foster the 'healthy and orderly' development of AI, according to state media.

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We should put in place laws and regulations, technological monitoring, early warning, and emergency response systems, in order to… ensure AI is always under human control.