China to host 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai

President Xi Jinping is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and deliver a keynote speech in Shanghai. The conference, held from July 17 to 20, will focus on the theme “Intelligent Partners, Creating a Shared Future” and will address global AI governance.

China is actively pursuing the development of General Artificial Intelligence (AGI) as a strategic priority to reshape national competitiveness. Current domestic efforts focus on breaking through core technologies, enhancing original innovation, and integrating AI into various industrial sectors. As of 2025, China's core AI industry scale has exceeded 1.2 trillion yuan.

The upcoming summit aims to facilitate international cooperation on AI safety, ethics, and governance. Discussions will involve government officials, industry leaders, and international organizations to address challenges regarding law, employment, and moral ethics in the age of autonomous intelligence.