At present, the iteration and deep integration of artificial intelligence technology into various fields of the economy and society are accelerating, and opportunities and risks coexist. The construction of the global governance system is entering a critical window period. The 2026WAIC and High Level Conference on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence were held in Shanghai, providing an important international platform for global discussions on AI development, AI risk management, and sharing of AI dividends.

Joining hands to build a fair and reasonable global governance system for artificial intelligence - keynote speech by the President of the People's Republic of China at the opening ceremony of the 2026WAIC and High Level Conference on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence.

Dear colleagues and guests,

Ladies and gentlemen, friends:

70 years ago, a group of young scholars first proposed the concept of artificial intelligence at the Dartmouth Conference in New Hampshire, USA. Over the past 70 years, artificial intelligence scientists and researchers from around the world have been constantly exploring the unknown, advancing through twists and turns, and breaking through through through perseverance. 70 years later, facing a new wave of booming artificial intelligence, we gather by the banks of the Pujiang River to explore and promote the global development of artificial intelligence towards upward and beneficial directions for humanity, which is of great significance. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I warmly welcome everyone's arrival.

Looking back in history, the invention of the steam engine started industrial civilization, the popularity of electricity lit up modern society, and the birth of the Internet connected the whole world. Every technological revolution profoundly reconstructs the way humans produce and live, driving significant leaps in economic and social development.

Currently, the world is undergoing accelerated changes over the past century, with a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation accelerating breakthroughs. Global artificial intelligence technology innovation has entered an unprecedented period of activity, with intelligent technologies such as the intelligent connection of all things, human-machine collaboration, cross-border integration, and co creation and sharing releasing tremendous energy. This not only contains enormous opportunities, but also faces governance challenges. Humanity has to face the question of the times: how do humans get along with machines when they start thinking? How to ensure security when algorithms participate in decision-making? When technology challenges ethics, how can governance keep up? When the gap continues to widen, how can universal access be achieved? These issues require the international community to deeply consider and jointly answer.

China believes that all countries should uphold the concept of people-oriented and upward goodness, making artificial intelligence an important driving force for promoting common prosperity and maintaining common security, and working together to build a fair and reasonable global artificial intelligence governance system. Here, I would like to offer four suggestions.

Firstly, we must adhere to openness and win-win cooperation, and drive innovative development. Artificial intelligence is a new engine for global economic growth and an accelerator for the transformation of old and new driving forces, moving from the "digital world" to the "physical world". To seize the rare historical opportunity, encourage open source, cooperation and sharing, comprehensively promote innovation in artificial intelligence technology, industrial development, and scenario applications, collaborate to promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, the cultivation and growth of emerging industries, and the forward-looking layout of future industries, so as to empower thousands of industries with artificial intelligence.

Secondly, strengthen risk awareness and ensure safety and controllability. Artificial intelligence should become a trusted tool for humans. We must attach great importance to the various endogenous and derivative risks caused by artificial intelligence, promote the construction of legal regulations, technical monitoring, risk warning, and emergency response systems, establish a solid safety bottom line, prevent abuse and misuse, and ensure that artificial intelligence is always under human control. At the same time, we should jointly oppose the generalization of the concept of national security in the field of artificial intelligence and the practice of putting our own security above the security of other countries.

Thirdly, encourage inclusiveness and promote mutual learning among civilizations. The development and application of artificial intelligence should not erode or damage the diversity of world civilizations and the uniqueness of cultures of different countries. To shape the values of artificial intelligence with the common values of all mankind, to make good use of artificial intelligence technology to enhance understanding and tolerance among different civilizations, to promote exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations, and to carefully cultivate a civilization garden of beauty and harmony.

Fourth, advocate for unity and mutual assistance, and improve global governance. Artificial intelligence is the collective wisdom and precious wealth of all humanity. To practice true multilateralism, effectively leverage the important role of the United Nations, strengthen the coordination and integration of artificial intelligence development strategies, governance rules, and technical standards, and form a global governance framework with broad consensus as soon as possible, so that this cutting-edge technology can better benefit human society. We should extensively engage in international cooperation to help countries in the global South strengthen their capacity building, bridge the digital divide, promote sustainable development, and avoid causing new historical injustices in the field of artificial intelligence.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends!

This year marks the beginning of China's 15th Five Year Plan. The 15th Five Year Plan outlines a blueprint for China's economic and social development in the next five years, and also provides a list of opportunities for the international community. In recent years, China has actively embraced the development of artificial intelligence, adhered to the combination of an effective market and a proactive government, strengthened innovation in artificial intelligence technology, actively promoted the "AI+" action, and cultivated a healthy ecosystem of symbiosis and prosperity among various entities. The core industry scale of the intelligent economy has exceeded one trillion yuan. All kinds of intelligent terminals have entered into thousands of households, which are practical and beneficial to people's livelihood. "Made in China Intelligently" has become another bright card of Chinese path to modernization.

At the same time, China has always adhered to the equal importance of development and security, grasped the trends and laws of artificial intelligence development, continuously improved relevant laws, regulations, policy systems, application norms, and ethical standards, ensured the safety, reliability, and controllability of artificial intelligence, and enabled this thousand mile horse to run both fast and steadily.

As a responsible major country, China has always been committed to being a provider of international public goods in the field of artificial intelligence. Since I proposed the Global Initiative on Artificial Intelligence Governance, China has successively promoted the United Nations General Assembly to unanimously pass international cooperation resolutions on artificial intelligence capacity building, released the "AI Capacity Building Inclusive Plan" and the "AI+" International Cooperation Initiative, and advocated the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, continuously contributing Chinese solutions.

Chinese people often say that a single string cannot produce sound, and a single tree cannot make a forest. The development of artificial intelligence should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of global cooperation. With the joint efforts of all parties, the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization has emerged in Shanghai, and the idea from a year ago has been transformed into practical results. This is a major measure taken by China to respond to the global call of the South and unite the international community to actively promote the development and governance of artificial intelligence, which will become an important milestone in the history of artificial intelligence development.

To further support the development of global artificial intelligence and promote the construction of global artificial intelligence capabilities, I announce that in the next five years, China will provide 5000 AI themed training and training opportunities for developing countries; Building an International Artificial Intelligence Application Cooperation Center for ASEAN, Arab League, African Union, Latin American and Caribbean Community, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS countries; Promote the implementation and application of the meteorological intelligent warning system "Mazu" in 30 countries, guarding the lights of thousands of households and protecting the peace of the four seas.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends!

The wise adapt to the times, and the knowledgeable adapt to the situation. The more advanced the development of artificial intelligence technology, the more it must be correctly anchored in the direction of promoting goodness and benefiting humanity. The more precise the scale of regulatory governance, and the more timely and perfect the measures to prevent loss of control. We must always use human wisdom and international consensus to lead the development of artificial intelligence, making it a powerful positive energy to enhance the well-being of all mankind and promote the progress of human civilization.

China is willing to seize and respond to the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence development with a more open attitude, more pragmatic actions, and a longer-term vision, and work together with all parties to create a better future for human society!

Thank you all!

Editor/Gong Ziwei