Xi promotes China-led AI cooperation abroad while pushing self-reliance

In short: China is trying to look like a global AI partner abroad while building an AI system at home that depends less on the United States.

What's going on

China is not fully in control of the global push to build better AI. Still, recent reporting says Xi Jinping is using AI policy to project strength internationally while doubling down on self-reliance inside China.

At home, Xi’s message is about “self-reliance” and “independent and controllable” AI. In everyday terms, that means China wants its AI to run on Chinese-made chips and Chinese software, so it is less exposed to foreign restrictions.

Abroad, Xi is presenting China as a supporter of a more open and inclusive AI approach. This includes support for open-source AI, meaning AI models that are shared publicly so others can study, copy, and build on them, like a recipe that anyone can use.

In July 2026, Xi announced international “capacity-building” steps, including 5,000 AI training and seminar slots for developing countries over five years. He also mentioned cooperation centers for AI applications and expanding the use of an AI-powered weather warning system called MAZU in 30 countries.

Separate reporting in September 2026 says China is also pushing a BRICS open-source AI initiative. The aim is cooperation on large language models, which are text-generating systems behind many chatbots.

What to watch

Analysts say the biggest near-term progress may come from practical projects like training, weather forecasting, and shared testing standards, rather than a major agreement on global AI rules. US-China rivalry still limits trust and makes broad coordination difficult, especially because China wants to be open abroad while keeping tight control at home.

Source: NYTimes