China’s Xi Jinping addresses World AI Conference as US tech rivalry heats up

Chinese President Xi Jinping will personally address the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, signaling AI's role in China's geopolitical strategy amid escalating US-China tech rivalry. Washington's export controls on semiconductors and AI models have accelerated Beijing's push for technological self-reliance.

LIVE Updated China’s Xi Jinping addresses World AI Conference as US tech rivalry heats up President’s personal attendance seen as a sign of China’s inclusion of artificial intelligence into broader geopolitical strategy 00:00 WATCH LIVE: Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at world AI conference 0 New Update Introduction President Xi Jinping will speak on Friday at the opening of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference WAIC , China’s largest annual event for the AI industry. Xi’s personal attendance elevates the conference’s profile, and indicates AI development has become both a technological imperative and a cornerstone of China’s geopolitical strategy. As Washington maintains strict export controls on advanced semiconductors and restricts overseas access to top AI models, Beijing is accelerating its drive for tech self-reliance. Reporting by Sylvia Ma, Coco Feng and Howard Liu More from our coverage: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Select Voice Select Speed 1.00x