China Signals Intent to Lead Global AI Development

Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, signaled a strong intent to establish international leadership in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The speech was seemingly aimed not only at conference attendees but also at the international community, particularly the United States, China's chief competitor in AI development. Xi uncharacteristically acknowledged past Western contributions, referencing the 1956 Dartmouth Workshop where the concept of AI was first proposed. However, he quickly pivoted to the challenges posed by AI's rapid advancement, including ethical dilemmas, security concerns, and widening divides, urging the international community to seriously address these "questions posed by our times." Crucially, Xi touched upon the fundamental challenge of controlling an unpredictable technology within China's one-party state system. He emphasized that "China places great emphasis on safety and security in AI development," pledging continuous improvement of laws, regulations, policies, mechanisms, application norms, and ethical principles to ensure AI is "safe, secure, and controllable." "Stability" is paramount to the CCP for societal survival, and controlling AI is seen as directly linked to the regime's security. Furthermore, Xi advocated for enhanced alignment and coordination on AI development strategies, governance rules, and technical standards to form a consensus-based global AI governance framework at an early date. He also stressed the need to assist Global South countries with capacity building to bridge AI and digital divides, promote sustainable development, and prevent new historical injustices. This can be interpreted as a strategy for China to lead international rule-making in AI and expand its influence. Policymakers in free and open societies would be well advised to note China's ambitions and ensure their transition to the AI era is guided by their own values.