World AI Conference

China's maritime disputes in the South China Sea, including a 2016 Hague ruling against its claims and ongoing tensions with the Philippines, parallel its strategic push for global AI leadership. China's AI-generated propaganda and assertive actions in the region contrast with its efforts to position itself as a provider of AI 'public goods' at the World AI Conference in Shanghai.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with leaders from Slovakia, Namibia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Kazakhstan in July 2026, including discussions in Beijing and Shanghai during the World AI Conference. He also hosted North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song in Beijing after a June meeting with Kim Jong-un. Xi has met 26 national leaders this year, including US President Donald Trump, with three more anticipated.

China's leading technology companies showcased hundreds of AI and robotics products at the World AI Conference in Shanghai, highlighting over 400 humanoid robot developments and growing global adoption of Chinese open-source AI models. The event occurred amid heightened U.S.-China tech rivalry.

China’s leading technology companies showcased advanced robotics and artificial intelligence systems at the World AI Conference in Shanghai during the U.S.-China tech rivalry. The annual event took place from July 17 to 20.

Scholars and international figures at China's premier AI conference emphasized the need for global cooperation and development-focused AI regulations to prevent a widening digital divide. China is promoting an AI package focused on training, infrastructure, and global governance influence to engage the Global South.

Alibaba Group's T-Head unit announced it will open-source its SAIL software stack for AI chips to streamline developer operations and challenge Nvidia's CUDA ecosystem. The move was revealed at the World AI Conference in Shanghai.

Xi Jinping emphasized the dual opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence, advocating for openness and regulations to ensure its security and controllability during his speech at the World AI Conference in Shanghai. The speech highlighted AI as a strategic priority for China amid its technological competition with the United States.