Shanghai: Chinese President Xi Jinping, using the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, announced his intention to position China as a leader in a new global AI landscape, promoting open-source technologies to challenge the influence of the United States.
According to Thai News Agency, President Xi also proposed a vision of technology sharing and cooperation with developing countries in the Global South, such as ASEAN, BRICS, and the African Union, to prevent technological disparities. At the same time, he presented the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), established by China and already comprising 29 member countries, as a key tool for jointly defining rules for the use of AI.
The Chinese president's stance comes as China's open-source AI models are rapidly advancing to compete with closed systems from US companies. Beijing-based startup Moonshot AI recently launched Kimi K3, the world's largest open-source AI in terms of parameters, amidst a situation where the US government has restricted access to certain advanced AI technologies due to security concerns. Furthermore, the Chinese president emphasized security, calling for AI technology to remain under human control and recommending early warning mechanisms to prevent risks from AI systems operating autonomously and potentially escaping human control.
The meeting from July 17-20 is considered a crucial test before China and the United States begin their first government-level negotiations on AI under President Donald Trump's administration. The event is attended by a large number of world leaders, including UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Analysts view the Chinese president's speech as a clear declaration that China is ready to lead the world in setting AI standards and technology, and will not lag behind any other nation.