China to Host World AI Conference 2026 in Shanghai in July

Beijing - China will host the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 and a High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai this July, a Chinese official said on Wednesday. Zhou Haibing, deputy head of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), told a press conference that China hopes to use the conference as an opportunity to further strengthen international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence with all parties. AI governance impacts the future of humanity and is a common issue faced by all countries, Zhou said. China upholds multilateralism and the principles of openness and inclusiveness, actively promotes global governance and international cooperation in AI, and contributes Chinese solutions to global development in the era of intelligence. Going forward, China will coordinate development and security efforts, actively practise multilateralism, and uphold the principles of being human-centred and developing AI for the common good. China will also fulfil its responsibilities as a major country, manage risks, strengthen prevention, explore cooperation in AI regulation, and work with other parties to guard against AI security risks, he added.