Chinese President Xi Jinping called for greater cooperation on artificial intelligence among developing countries to close the international technology gap, as Beijing used a major domestic tech event to project its ambitions to a global audience.
Speaking in person on July 17 at the annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai for the first time, Xi said China has strengthened its innovations in AI, which Beijing regards as a strategic technology critical for self-reliance and in which it is narrowing the gap with the US
Noting that the smart industry economy is worth at least RMB 1 trillion (USD 147.5 billion), Xi said China will provide developing countries with 5,000 AI training opportunities over the next five years.
“AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation,” Xi said.
Guests at the WAIC included Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul—an unusual convergence of two leaders overseeing a fragile detente following border clashes late last year—as well as ASEAN secretary general Kao Kim Hourn.
