China Declares 2026 World AI Conference a Success, Pushes New Global AI Governance Framework

The Chinese government has described the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance as a major success, saying the four-day summit delivered significant progress toward a more inclusive and equitable global framework for artificial intelligence governance.

The conference, held in Shanghai from July 17 to July 20, brought together government officials, business executives, academics and researchers from more than 100 countries and international organisations to deliberate on the future of AI development, regulation and international cooperation.

Speaking during the Chinese Foreign Ministry's regular press briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the event reinforced China's commitment to promoting AI as a global public good while encouraging broader international collaboration.

"The 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance was a great success," Lin said, adding that the gathering produced several important outcomes that could shape the future of global AI governance.

Responding to questions about China's expanding open-source AI ecosystem and its role in narrowing technological disparities, Lin said Beijing remains committed to ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits all countries, particularly developing nations.

He said China was ready to work with the international community to build what he described as a "just and equitable system for global AI governance", anchored on people-centred innovation and responsible AI development.

According to him, China believes AI should promote shared prosperity and contribute to the common good of humanity rather than deepen existing technological inequalities.

Lin outlined what he described as the conference's major achievements.

He said the summit provided strategic direction for international AI governance at a time when rapid technological advances are creating both enormous opportunities and significant risks.

According to him, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who attended the opening ceremony and delivered the keynote address, outlined China's vision for global AI governance, focusing on four pillars: AI development, AI security, Civilisational cooperation and International governance.

Lin said the proposals have received positive international attention and are expected to influence future discussions on AI regulation.

The spokesperson also said the conference highlighted the need to bridge the widening technological gap between developed and developing countries.

He noted that President Xi announced three major initiatives aimed at strengthening AI development and capacity-building efforts, particularly across countries in the Global South.

According to Lin, the measures are intended to promote more inclusive access to AI technologies and ensure that emerging economies are not left behind.

One of the conference's most significant developments, Lin said, was progress toward establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).

He disclosed that representatives of 29 countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe signed the agreement establishing the organisation as its founding members.

Lin described the development as a milestone that would strengthen the participation and influence of developing countries in shaping international AI governance.

The Chinese official further stated that representatives from approximately 80 countries and international organisations participated in the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance.

Following extensive consultations, China released the Chair's Statement of WAIC 2026, which he said reflects broad international consensus on key issues relating to AI development and governance.

Lin added that the conference also served as a platform for expanding international cooperation in AI research, investment and innovation.

According to him, the event featured more than 150 thematic forums, dozens of bilateral and multilateral meetings, as well as an AI exhibition covering over 100,000 square metres.

The exhibition brought together more than 1,100 exhibitors from China and around the world, showcasing over 3,000 cutting-edge AI technologies and products.

He said the conference helped connect governments, businesses and researchers while facilitating the exchange of ideas, investment opportunities and technological innovation.

Lin reiterated China's commitment to working with countries around the world to promote responsible AI development, deepen international cooperation and ensure that advances in artificial intelligence contribute to sustainable global development and shared prosperity.