Xi Jinping warns against creating ‘new historical injustices’ in AI era
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an inclusive global AI development strategy at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. He warned against 'new historical injustices' and pledged support for AI training in developing nations amid rising geopolitical tensions with the US.
Why it matters
Xi's speech signals China's intent to position itself as a leader in AI governance for the Global South, directly challenging US-led technology restrictions.
President Xi Jinping warned against creating “new historical injustices” in the era of artificial intelligence on Friday, calling for greater support for the technology’s use and adoption in the Global South and a more open, inclusive approach to AI development.
Addressing the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Xi’s speech came shortly after his US counterpart, Donald Trump, delivered an unprecedented attack against Beijing during a prime-time national broadcast, accusing China of orchestrating the “largest compromise of election data in history”.
Xi also urged countries to strengthen risk awareness and ensure that AI is “secure and controllable”, while taking aim at the growing securitisation of the technology, at the opening ceremony of China’s largest annual event for the AI industry.
“We should jointly oppose overstretching the national security concept in the field of AI or placing one country’s security over that of others,” he said.
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