• Xi Jinping advocates for global cooperation in AI at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference.
• Concerns over national security and governance of AI are highlighted as key issues.
• China's tech capabilities in AI are advancing, competing closely with the US.
• The conference features over 3,000 AI technologies and products on display.
• AI is a strategic pillar of China’s industrial policy, driven by state investment.

At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, President Xi Jinping emphasized that artificial intelligence should not be dominated by a single country, urging nations to engage in international collaboration for its development. Xi stated, "AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation," highlighting the importance of shared governance in the burgeoning sector as concerns rise over AI's potential military use, or its exploitation by malicious actors, according to Channel News Asia, Bangkok Post, and Al Jazeera.

Xi's remarks occurred amidst ongoing tensions, as the United States and the European Union have imposed restrictions on Chinese tech imports, citing national security. This backdrop raises critical questions about who controls advanced AI technologies. During the WAIC, Xi reiterated, "We should jointly oppose overstretching the national security concept in the field of AI or placing one country's security over that of others," underscoring the need for equitable access to AI for developing countries, according to Channel News Asia and Bangkok Post.

The WAIC is a significant event, drawing more than 1,000 tech firms and showcasing around 3,000 products, including advanced AI systems and autonomous applications. Xi stressed the necessity for "laws and regulations, technological monitoring, early warning, and emergency response systems" to ensure AI remains "under human control," as AI becomes a central pillar of China's industrial strategy driven by state investments. This push correlates with the rapid increase in AI consumption within China, which has seen a thousandfold growth in daily usage tokens over the past two years, according to Channel News Asia, Bangkok Post, and Al Jazeera.

During the conference, it was revealed that China has surpassed the US in generative AI patent filings, indicating its substantial growth in the sector. Xi Jinping highlighted China's future plans to collaborate with international organizations to provide opportunities related to AI across various regions, including Africa, Latin America, Asia, and BRICS nations. The WAIC sets a stage for showcasing technological advancements, as leaders from different nations participate to explore cooperative possibilities in AI technology, as reported by Channel News Asia, Bangkok Post, and Al Jazeera.