China’s Xi Jinping Urges Global AI Governance and Risk Mitigation While Advancing Technological Initiatives

ASIA IN BRIEF Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence during a recent address, calling for proactive measures to address both its opportunities and risks.

In his speech, Xi advocated for AI development to “adhere to the principle of openness,” stating: “As a new driver of global economic growth and a catalyst for shifting growth paradigms, AI is rapidly transitioning from digital to physical applications. This historic opportunity demands we champion open collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective innovation.”

While recognizing AI’s promise, Xi underscored the importance of mitigating potential dangers. “We must enhance risk awareness to ensure AI remains secure and controllable,” he stated. “Proactive efforts are needed to establish regulatory frameworks, monitoring systems, and rapid-response mechanisms that safeguard against misuse, prevent abuse, and maintain human oversight over AI advancements.”

Xi further criticized the politicization of AI security concerns, remarking: “We should oppose overreaching national security narratives in AI and prioritize shared global interests over unilateral advantages.”

He concluded with a vision for inclusive progress, urging “mutual learning across civilizations” and positioning AI as “a repository of humanity’s collective intelligence.” To operationalize this, China recently established the “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization” (WAICO), uniting 29 nations—including BRICS members like Russia, Brazil, and South Africa—to address global inequities in AI access and development.

Seoul Fire Disrupts Coupang Logistics

A fire erupted at a South Korean Coupang logistics center on Saturday, with firefighting efforts still ongoing. The company cited structural challenges, noting the facility’s three-tier shelving complicated suppression attempts. Over 100 employees were unharmed, though nearby residents were temporarily evacuated. Coupang apologized for the disruption, emphasizing safety and recovery priorities.

India Expands Semiconductor and Smartphone Subsidies

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Skyroot Aerospace Achieves Historic Rocket Launch Success

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Australia’s University of Southern Queensland Migrates to Nutanix

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