The '2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance' will take place in Shanghai from July 17 to 20. Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote address. This will be the first time President Xi has attended the conference, set against the backdrop of escalating US-China competition in artificial intelligence (AI).

Lin Jian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced the details today. He stated that the theme of this year's conference is 'Intelligent Partners, Co-Creating the Future.' President Xi will attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech, 'comprehensively and systematically elaborating China's policy positions and conceptual propositions regarding AI development and governance.'

Lin said that Chinese authorities have widely invited government officials, industry and academic experts, and leaders of international organizations from various countries to participate. China hopes the conference will serve as a platform to enhance mutual trust, build consensus, and deepen cooperation, jointly promoting the healthy, safe, and orderly development of AI. It is expected that this conference will become a milestone in the history of AI development.

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference was first established in 2018 and has been held annually in Shanghai. Starting in 2024, it was restructured into the 'World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance.' Premier Li Qiang has attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches for the past two consecutive editions.

In recent years, the US and China have imposed mutual restrictions on technology exports and talent mobility. AI is widely seen as the frontier of the new economy, and President Xi has repeatedly emphasized the need to 'accelerate high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology.' (Edited by Lu Chia-jung)

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  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: Event