Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of international cooperation in the development of artificial intelligence (AI), stating that AI should not be dominated by a single country. Speaking at the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Xi called for a collaborative approach to AI governance, emphasizing the need for a'symphony of international cooperation' rather than a'solo performance by a single country.'
Xi's remarks come as China's AI models are rapidly catching up to the most powerful offerings from the United States, attracting global users with their lower costs. However, the governance of the booming AI sector has become a critical issue, with growing concerns over the deployment of AI in military combat and its potential misuse by hackers and terrorists.
'We should jointly oppose overstretching the national security concept in the field of AI or placing one country's security over that of others,' Xi said. His comments follow recent restrictions imposed by the United States and the European Union on Chinese tech imports, citing national security concerns. Additionally, internal tussles between Washington and American AI labs have raised questions about who controls access to top technology.
The four-day WAIC conference, described by analyst Poe Zhao as 'the most important annual event for understanding the direction of China's AI industry,' showcases over 1,000 Chinese tech firms, officials, researchers, and industry figures. Around 3,000 products are on display, highlighting China's advancements in AI technology. Despite the United States retaining a clear lead in advanced chips and frontier computing infrastructure, China is positioned as its closest and most comprehensive competitor.
Xi also called for the establishment of laws and regulations, technological monitoring, early warning, and emergency response systems to ensure AI remains under human control. His vision aligns with the recent signing of an agreement by foreign minister Wang Yi and representatives from 29 countries to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, headquartered in Shanghai. This organization aims to promote consultation and collaboration among members to ensure the 'healthy and orderly' development of AI.
