Xi dabbles in “AI diplomacy” at Shanghai forum with Thai, Cambodian PMs
Chinese President Xi Jinping advocated for increased artificial intelligence cooperation among developing nations at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. He emphasized AI as a strategic technology for China’s self-reliance and global influence, pledging 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries over the next five years. The conference, attended by leaders from Thailand and Cambodia, also saw the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization with 29 countries, including Indonesia and Russia. This initiative underscores China’s ambition to shape global AI governance and present itself as a stable partner for emerging economies, while showcasing domestic AI advancements like agentic AI smartphones and supercomputing platforms.
This development signals China’s strategic pivot towards “AI diplomacy,” leveraging its technological advancements to foster stronger ties within Asia and the broader Global South. By offering AI training and establishing a new international organization, Beijing aims to position itself as a leader in AI governance and development, directly challenging the influence of Western nations, particularly the US, which has been tightening export controls on advanced AI technologies. This move could significantly reshape regional tech alliances and accelerate AI adoption in developing Asian economies, potentially creating new market opportunities for Chinese AI firms and standards.
The convergence of political leaders from Thailand and Cambodia at a tech forum, alongside the ASEAN Secretary-General, highlights China’s integrated approach to diplomacy, using technology as a soft power tool to address regional issues and strengthen its geopolitical standing. The focus on domestically developed AI solutions, such as agentic smartphones and supercomputing platforms, also underscores China’s drive for technological self-sufficiency and its ambition to lead the next wave of industrial transformation through AI. This strategy could lead to increased competition and innovation within the Asian AI ecosystem, as countries align with different technological blocs and seek to develop their own AI capabilities.
