China Challenges US Dominance at Global AI Conference
China is proposing itself as the leader of a new global order in AI. At the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, it is offering its open-source models as a public good to the Global South and challenging the US-led approach.
REPORTER:
An entire hall of humanoid robots... dancing, boxing, and looking eerily humanlike.
This is the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, where Chinese companies are showcasing how quickly the country's artificial intelligence is advancing.
But the technology on display is only part of the story.
REPORTER:
The conference has also become a stage for China's global ambitions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping used the platform to cast Beijing as the champion of a new global AI order, one that challenges the US.
Xi Jinping (CHINESE PRESIDENT):
We must carry out extensive international cooperation and help Global South countries with capacity building to bridge the digital intelligence gap.
We should promote sustainable development and prevent creating new historical injustice in AI.
REPORTER:
Xi’s keynote pitched China's AI coalition as a rival to the US-led "Pax Silica" initiative to secure global AI and critical mineral supply chains. He framed China’s open-source models as a public good, where Beijing would share technology and expertise with countries across the Global South.
And analysts say China's rapid advancement in open-source models gives that message added weight.
Giulia Neaher (RESEARCH ANALYST, THE STIMSON CENTER):
China is obviously doing extremely well in open models right now. Many of the most advanced open models are coming out of China. There's a really vibrant ecosystem of open, open AI, coming out of China right now. Um, and I think that from the US perspective, if those models were to have advanced cyber capabilities in the way that meet those does. That would be a huge concern.
REPORTER:
That confidence was echoed on the exhibition floor.
Chinese participants say they believe that although China has trailed the US in the most advanced AI models, that gap is narrowing fast.
Li Tianyi (WAIC EXHIBITOR):
We think it's definitely a bit behind in terms of the big model, but it's not impossible to catch up.
At least the feeling I'm visiting today is that we're confident that we can catch up with a basic model like the US in a short period of time or 3.5 years, and then include us in the application layer.
REPORTER:
Across the exhibition halls, conversations also went beyond product demonstrations, with international visitors exploring new business opportunities.
REPORTER:
As Washington and Beijing compete for leadership in artificial intelligence, China's biggest AI gathering is becoming more than just new technology.
It's a signal that the AI race between US and China is heating up rapidly.
