Xi Jinping Emphasises AI Must Be Oriented Towards the Good of Humanity

Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed that technological progress, including artificial intelligence (AI), must be directed towards the advancement and good of humanity. Speaking at the opening of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on Friday, Xi said AI should become a vital force in promoting shared prosperity and safeguarding common security. He posed critical questions for the international community, asking how humans should coexist with thinking machines, how to guarantee security when algorithms participate in decision-making, and how governance can keep pace when technology challenges ethics. Xi also warned against widening divides, urging that benefits be inclusive and equitable. He put forward four proposals for a fair and rational global AI governance system: upholding openness and mutual benefit to drive innovation; strengthening risk awareness to ensure security and control; promoting inclusiveness to advance mutual learning among civilisations; and enhancing solidarity and cooperation to perfect global governance. Xi cautioned against the excessive expansion of national security concepts in the AI field and called for the establishment of a governance framework with broad consensus. The conference coincided with the founding of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), initiated by China and signed by 28 countries including Indonesia, represented by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. The WAIC 2026 event features 1,400 speakers and 1,100 exhibiting companies showcasing over 3,000 products and technologies.