At the 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC), Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that while AI empowers humanity to better understand and reshape the world, it also presents unpredictable risks and challenges. Xi urged the global community to adopt security as a core principle and collaborate to establish a "shared future in cyberspace," according to the South China Morning Post.
Citing sources from Xinhua News Agency, China News, and the SCMP, Xi delivered a rare statement on AI, emphasizing the need for "security as a baseline" and "inclusivity as a guiding value" to drive innovation in cyberspace. He also reaffirmed China's readiness to collaborate internationally to build a "shared future in cyberspace."
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang called for global cooperation on internet governance, citing the role of AI, networking, big data, and cloud computing in driving social and economic progress. However, Ding warned that the widening digital divide threatens efforts to create a secure and equitable cyberspace.
While Xi did not explicitly mention the US, industry observers widely interpreted his remarks as a veiled reference to American technology restrictions.
Hosted annually by China's Cyberspace Administration in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province, the WIC entered its 11th year in 2024. This year's theme, "Embracing a Human-Centered, Ethically Guided Digital Future—Building a Shared Future in Cyberspace," reflects its focus on digital cooperation.
The Chinese government has historically leveraged the WIC to advocate its "cyber sovereignty" governance model. Notable attendees in past years have included Apple CEO Tim Cook and Google CEO Sundar Pichai.
Following tradition, leading figures in Chinese technology participated in the WIC. At this year's opening ceremony, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun underscored the importance of focusing AI development on "practical applications and ethical innovation," highlighting technology's role in driving societal progress.
This year's WIC forums spotlighted AI, featuring discussions on "Responsible AI Development and Application," "AI Innovation and Governance," and "AI Empowering New Productivity." As competition intensifies between China and the US in advanced technologies, concerns are mounting over a potential decoupling in key areas such as AI and semiconductors.
Reuters reported that the bipartisan US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) has proposed a Manhattan Project-style initiative to fund the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI) systems in its annual report.
The USCC report stressed the importance of public-private collaboration for advancing AGI but stopped short of detailing specific investment plans. Commission member Jacob Helberg observed that nations leading in transformative technologies historically reshape global power dynamics. With China accelerating its AGI efforts, Helberg urged the US to address the challenge proactively.
Article translated by Levi Li
