Xi Jinping to keynote 2026 World AI Conference

Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, to be held in China — Shanghai from July 17 to 20. The conference, themed 'AI Partnership for a Brighter Future' (also reported as 'Intelligent Partners, Co-create the Future' and 'Smart Partners, Let's Co-Create the Future'), aims to address global AI governance and international cooperation. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian announced that Xi will elaborate on China's policies, position, visions, and propositions on AI development and governance. The event is expected to attract over 1,100 companies, display over 3,000 exhibits, and feature more than 300 global debuts, with an exhibition area exceeding 100,000 square meters for the first time. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet are among the international attendees. China emphasizes its commitment to providing international public goods, advocating AI for good and for all, and supporting Global North and Global South countries in AI capacity-building.