Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against a “new historical injustice” in artificial intelligence (AI), cautioning that the next technological revolution must avoid repeating past patterns of inequality. Xi delivered this message on July 17, 2026, in his first keynote address at the World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, where he also presented China’s vision as a steward of global AI governance.

Analysts interpret Xi’s remarks as a dual message: positioning China as a leader in an inclusive AI order and signaling Beijing’s intent not to fall behind in the technological transition. George Chen, partner and chair of digital practice at policy advisory firm The Asia Group, said of Xi’s message, “I'm not going to just be a follower, I want to be a leader,” noting the Chinese leader expressed this in a “very diplomatic way.”

Xi emphasized the need for extensive international cooperation to help Global South countries build capacity, bridge AI and digital divides, promote sustainable development, and prevent new historical injustices in AI. He highlighted that many developing countries risk supplying data, resources, and labor while others capture the wealth and influence generated by AI, a divide already emerging.

The Chinese leader has consistently positioned China as a champion of the Global South on the digital divide, aiming to ensure neighboring countries share in the benefits of Beijing’s development. Analysts note that colonial infrastructure historically extracted resources without developing local economies, and digital platforms have similarly captured significant value from Global South markets without fostering comparable local industries.

The WAIC event, held over four days, attracted 1,117 exhibiting companies, over 4,400 exhibits, and more than 400,000 visits, with delegates from 102 countries and international organizations. A 2025 report by the United Nations Trade and Development body noted that some 118 countries, mostly in the Global South, are absent from major global AI governance discussions.

Xi’s warning reflects concerns that if AI follows the same path as previous technological revolutions like e-commerce and the internet, wealth will concentrate further in rich countries, increasing global inequality.

Sources