Xi Jinping Attends WAIC 2026, Calls for Openness in AI Development
On Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping marked the start of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), highlighting the event's significance. His presence emphasizes the crucial role of AI in today's tech landscape and its importance in China's international strategy. In his speech, Xi called for more openness in AI and criticized a singular national approach, likely targeting the US's export controls on advanced semiconductors and AI tech. As the US tightens these restrictions, China is ramping up its push for technological independence. The WAIC is known as China's largest annual AI industry event. This information was reported by Sylvia Ma, Coco Feng, and Howard Liu.
Key facts
- Xi Jinping spoke at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) on Friday.
- His personal attendance elevated the conference's profile.
- Xi called for 'openness' and opposed a 'one country' rule in AI.
- The event is China's largest annual AI industry gathering.
- US maintains strict export controls on advanced semiconductors and AI models.
- Beijing has accelerated its drive for tech self-reliance.
- Reported by Sylvia Ma, Coco Feng and Howard Liu.
- Xi's attendance signals AI as a cornerstone of China's geopolitical strategy.
Entities
Institutions
- World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC)
Locations
- China
- Beijing
- Washington