China's Xi Jinping proposes BRICS 'open-source AI zone'

Published on

14/09/2026 - 5:01 GMT+2

Chinese AI companies produce world-leading open-source AI models - whose underlying code is accessible for adaptation by users - while US developers have favoured closed-door approaches.

The proposal, part of the Chinese leader's "initiative on open-source and inclusive AI", included a promise to "support cooperation in the development and application of large language models", according to a readout of Xi's speech from state broadcaster CCTV.

The initiative would also include establishing "specialised research and training on AI" for BRICS countries, with the goal of "building an open ecosystem for AI", Xi said.