President Xi Jinping to Address AI Conference Amid Economic Focus

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President Xi Jinping to Address AI Conference Amid Economic Focus

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Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to deliver a keynote speech at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, which runs from July 17 to 20. This marks President Xi’s first in-person attendance at the annual event, signaling Beijing’s heightened focus on AI development as a driver for economic growth and technological competitiveness. The theme of this year’s conference is “Intelligent Partners, Co-create the Future,” and Xi is expected to elaborate on China’s policies, vision, and proposals regarding AI development and governance, including the Global AI Governance Initiative.

This high-profile appearance comes ahead of the customary July Politburo meeting, where China’s top policymakers will assess the economic performance of the first half of 2026 and outline economic priorities for the remainder of the year. Premier Li Qiang recently held a meeting with economists and entrepreneurs to gather their perspectives on the current economic landscape and potential policy adjustments. China’s economy has shown signs of slowing in the second quarter of 2026, with a Reuters poll forecasting GDP growth at 4.5% for April-June, down from 5.0% in the first quarter. Weak domestic demand has been identified as a factor, despite resilient exports. The surveyed urban unemployment rate in China decreased to 5.10 percent in May 2026, from 5.20 percent in April. However, the jobless rate for the 16-to-24 age group, excluding students, was higher at 15.6 percent in May.

In other news, a Chinese-born American seismologist, Youlin Chen, who conducted U.S.-funded research on detecting North Korean nuclear tests, has reportedly been detained in China for nearly two years and faces trial on espionage charges. Chen was arrested on November 5, 2024, at Beijing International Airport. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Chen as “wrongfully detained” on March 19, making

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