At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2025 in Shanghai, Chinese Premier Li Qiang made a strong appeal for the international community to build a global consensus on balancing AI development with security risks. In his keynote address, Li highlighted the dual nature of AI as a driver of innovation and a source of serious ethical and geopolitical concerns, calling for collaborative frameworks to ensure safe and inclusive advancement of the technology.
Li Qiang emphasized the importance of open-source AI, stating that the free flow of ideas and access to foundational technologies are essential for equitable progress. He warned against the emergence of technological monopolies and power imbalances, which could entrench inequality and fuel global distrust. “AI should be a tool for all humankind, not a weapon of dominance,” he said.
The premier’s comments come as the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, continues to pursue a low-regulation, pro-innovation strategy aimed at cementing American supremacy in AI. At the same time, the U.S. maintains export restrictions on advanced semiconductors to China, limiting Beijing’s access to crucial hardware for AI development. This growing techno-political rivalry formed the backdrop of the conference and underscored the urgency of Li’s call for cooperation.
The WAIC 2025 also featured sobering warnings from leading AI experts. Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as the “Godfather of AI,” reiterated concerns about runaway AI systems and the lack of robust safety mechanisms, urging governments to act before it’s too late. Similarly, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the need for stronger international institutions and norms to regulate AI use, especially in military and surveillance applications.
The conference brought together global thought leaders, tech CEOs, researchers, and policymakers in a rare moment of dialogue amid rising geopolitical frictions. Themes such as AI ethics, transparency, and cross-border governance dominated the agenda, reflecting the increasing awareness that AI’s impact transcends national boundaries.
As nations race to harness the power of artificial intelligence, Premier Li’s call for global AI governance and shared responsibility resonated as a timely reminder: the future of AI must be guided not just by innovation, but by ethical foresight and international solidarity.
