Xi Jinping warns against ‘new historical injustices’ in AI era at Shanghai conference
Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against creating "new historical injustices" in the era of artificial intelligence on Friday, calling for greater support for AI adoption in the Global South and a more open, inclusive approach to development. Addressing the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Xi also urged countries to strengthen risk awareness and ensure AI is "secure and controllable," while pushing back against the growing securitisation of the technology.
The remarks, delivered at the opening ceremony of China’s largest annual AI industry gathering, came shortly after US President Donald Trump delivered what the South China Morning Post described as an unprecedented prime-time national broadcast attack against Beijing, accusing China of orchestrating the "largest compromise of election data in history."
What did Xi Jinping say at WAIC 2026?
In his speech, Xi argued that countries should work together on AI governance rather than weaponise national security arguments. "We should jointly oppose overstretching the national security concept in the field of AI or placing one country’s security over that of others," he said.
He framed AI as a domain where global cooperation is essential to prevent long-lasting harm, using the phrase "new historical injustices" to describe risks that could arise if the technology is developed and deployed without shared guardrails.
Why was Xi’s appearance significant?
The speech marked Xi’s first in-person appearance at WAIC since the event launched in 2018, according to the South China Morning Post. His presence was read as a signal that Beijing intends to position itself as a leader in global AI governance amid an intensifying US-China tech rivalry.
The conference has become an annual showcase for China’s AI industry and a diplomatic stage where Beijing signals its policy direction. Xi’s return to the podium underscored AI’s elevation from a technology priority to a pillar of geopolitical strategy.
How does Beijing position itself on AI openness?
Xi’s message framed Beijing as an advocate of a more open approach to AI development at a time when access to advanced technologies is increasingly constrained by export controls and corporate blacklists. By calling for AI support in the Global South, the speech highlighted China’s effort to broaden its coalition beyond its traditional partners.
The comments also pointed to a contrast with the United States, where tightening export controls on advanced chips and equipment have reshaped how Chinese firms can source AI hardware. Beijing has framed such measures as discriminatory, while Washington has cited national security concerns.
What role does WAIC play in China’s AI strategy?
WAIC is held annually in Shanghai and brings together Chinese AI companies, regulators, and foreign delegations. The 2026 edition, where Xi spoke, served as a venue for the Chinese leadership to communicate its AI vision and to reinforce the country’s claim to a leading role in setting international norms for the technology.
FAQ
What is the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC)?
WAIC is China’s largest annual AI industry event, held in Shanghai. The 2026 edition was addressed by President Xi Jinping in his first in-person appearance since the conference launched in 2018.
Why did Xi Jinping warn about ‘new historical injustices’ in AI?
Xi used the phrase to argue that without shared governance and risk awareness, AI could produce harms comparable to past large-scale wrongs. He called on countries to strengthen risk awareness, keep AI "secure and controllable," and resist overstretching national security arguments in the field.
How does Xi’s WAIC speech relate to US-China tech rivalry?
The speech was delivered as a US-China tech rivalry intensifies and access to advanced AI technology is constrained by export controls and corporate blacklists. Xi’s call for openness and Global South support was seen as an effort to position Beijing as a champion of inclusive AI governance against that backdrop.
This article summarizes reporting from scmp.com.