Xi Jinping calls for multilateral AI governance and pledges China's support for Global South capacity building
Xi Jinping anchored his remarks in the 70-year history of AI, tracing the field's origins to the 1956 Dartmouth workshop, and framed the current moment as requiring coordinated international action rather than unilateral competition. His central argument: AI must be people-centered, serve shared prosperity, and be governed through genuine multilateralism with the United Nations playing a leading role.
He advanced a four-part framework for responsible AI development: (1) open, win-win innovation as an engine of global economic growth; (2) safety and controllability through laws, monitoring, and emergency response systems; (3) cultural inclusiveness, ensuring AI does not erode civilizational diversity; and (4) multilateral solidarity in global governance structures.
A notable and contested position was Xi's call to oppose overstretching the national security concept in AI — a thinly veiled critique of export controls and technology restrictions imposed by the United States and its allies. He framed such measures as placing one country's security above others', a framing likely to draw disagreement from Western governments.
On the digital divide, Xi raised concrete concerns about Global South exclusion and backed them with announced commitments: - 5,000 AI training and seminar slots for developing countries over five years - AI application cooperation centers with ASEAN, the Arab League, the African Union, CELAC, SCO, and BRICS - Deployment of the MAZU AI meteorological warning system to 30 countries
The bottom line: China is positioning itself as a champion of inclusive, multilateral AI governance while simultaneously expanding its technological and diplomatic footprint across the Global South. The speech blends genuine governance concerns — safety, equity, cultural preservation — with strategic framing that challenges the Western-led approach to AI security and standards-setting.
Speaking at a major AI forum, Xi Jinping outlined a four-pillar framework for global AI development centered on openness, security, cultural inclusiveness, and UN-led multilateral governance. He announced concrete Chinese commitments to developing nations, including 5,000 training opportunities and regional AI cooperation centers. Xi also pushed back against what he characterized as the over-application of national security logic in AI policy.
We must make its oversight and governance precise and effective and constantly refine measures to forestall loss of control.
70 years ago, a group of young scholars proposed the concept of artificial intelligence for the first time at the Dartmouth workshop in New Hampshire of the United States.
The core smart economy industries are worth at least one trillion RMB.
China has promoted the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on enhancing international cooperation on capacity building of artificial intelligence by consensus.
Viko has come into being in Shanghai.
This year marks the start of China's 15th 5-year plan, mapping out China's economic and social development for the next five years.
We should jointly oppose overstretching the national security concept in the field of AI or placing one country's security over that of others.
We must carry out extensive international cooperation and help global south countries with capacity building to bridge the AI and digital divides and prevent creating new historical injustice in AI.
All countries should take a people centered approach and develop AI for the positive and for good, ensuring that AI is an important driver for shared prosperity and common security.
First, we should adhere to the principle of openness and win-win and boost innovation-driven development as a new engine of world economic growth.
Second, we should strengthen risk awareness and ensure that AI is secure and controllable, putting in place laws and regulations, technological monitoring, early warning and emergency response systems.
Third, we should encourage inclusiveness and promote mutual learning between civilizations, ensuring AI development does not erode or undermine the diversity of world civilizations.
Fourth, we should advocate solidarity and improve global governance, practicing true multilateralism and recognizing the important role of the United Nations.
In the next five years, China will provide developing countries with 5,000 opportunities in AI training and seminar programs.
China will develop international AI application cooperation centers with ASEAN, the League of Arab States, the African Union, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS.
We will enable 30 countries to use the AI powered meteorological warning system or MAZU to safeguard homes around the world.
“AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country but a symphony of international cooperation.”
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