On July 16, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed recent claims by some foreign media outlets at a regular press conference. These media outlets alleged that China is attempting to rally support from the Global South through a conference, with the aim of securing a dominant position in the “great power competition” within the AI sector. Furthermore, they contended that China’s provision of open-source AI models is a “trap” and that embracing China’s AI technologies globally entails “high risks.”

Lin Jian emphasized that the development of artificial intelligence is a matter of concern for the well-being of all humanity. He urged all parties to work together to bridge the digital divide, adhere to security principles (maintaining the term “bottom line” as it aptly conveys the idea of fundamental security standards in this context), and enhance global governance. This collaborative effort, he said, should aim to foster open, inclusive, equitable, and mutually beneficial AI development.

China, Lin Jian stated, is firmly against drawing ideological lines or imposing technological blockades. Instead, China is committed to balancing development and security, sharing its experiences with all stakeholders, and elevating the global level of AI innovation and development.

He also noted that the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Conference on Global AI Governance are set to commence in Shanghai the following day. China intends to use this occasion to engage in frank and open discussions, build consensus among all participants, ensure that the benefits of the intelligent era extend to developing countries, and promote technological advancement as a driving force for the development and prosperity of human society.