Xi's speech emphasizing shared prosperity, common security hailed

People-first AI vision garners broad support

Addressing the opening ceremony of the four-day conference in Shanghai, President Xi Jinping announced on Friday the creation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization and called for joint efforts to build a just and equitable system for global AI governance.

Maxim Oreshkin, deputy chief of staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia, said during a meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Shanghai on Friday that Xi's keynote speech holds global significance, reflecting China's profound understanding and strategic vision regarding AI development.

Noting that the creation of the organization is a major China-proposed initiative that benefits the world, Oreshkin said that Russia highly appreciates the move and is very glad to become a founding member of the organization. He added that Russia looks forward to working hand in hand with China to expand cooperation in the AI sector.

Luigi Gambardella, president and founder of ChinaEU, a Brussels-based international digital association, said that Xi's speech delivered a strong message that AI should become a bridge connecting countries, not a new dividing line. "President Xi emphasized the importance of openness, cooperation and the need to work together to ensure that AI benefits all of humanity," he said. "China has shown its willingness to promote openness by creating a new platform where all countries are invited to exchange ideas, build trust and advance cooperation."

Xi said in his speech that all countries should take a people-centered approach and develop AI for positive outcomes and greater good, and ensure that AI is a key driver for shared prosperity and common security.

Jin Li, president of Fudan University, noted that Xi recommended a people-centered approach that coordinates development and security, fosters open cooperation, encourages mutual learning between civilizations and advocates improving global governance. This reflects China's commitment to global well-being and shared development, providing fundamental guidance for China's AI innovation and governance practices, while also showing the way forward for the international community to deepen cooperation and build consensus, Jin added.

Xi said the establishment of the organization is China's major move to answer the call of the Global South and unite the international community to vigorously promote AI development and governance. Twenty-nine nations have signed the agreement for the creation of the organization as its founding members.

Hui Zhibin, a researcher at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, noted that since the introduction of the Global AI Governance Initiative in 2023, China has made continuous efforts to provide Chinese solutions. In the face of complex global challenges, China's efforts demonstrate its steadfast commitment to promoting multilateral dialogue, consultation and cooperation, Hui said.

Li Yanhong, founder and CEO of Chinese tech company Baidu Inc, said that with the world's richest application scenarios, a complete industrial chain and a vast market, China provides fertile ground for AI technologies and applications, driven by emerging real-world demands.