In a keynote that doubled as a geopolitical statement, Xi Jinping used the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference to reject US-led AI restrictions and rally 29 nations behind a new governance bloc. The speech never mentioned crypto — but it may reshape more than just AI policy.
What to know
- Xi Jinping delivered his first keynote at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 17, 2026.
- He openly opposed US-led restrictions on AI development, including export controls and technology curbs.
- 29 countries announced the formation of a new AI cooperation body (WAICO) during the conference.
- The keynote made zero references to cryptocurrency, blockchain, or digital assets.
- A prediction market now estimates a 89.5% probability that Xi will visit the United States before 2027.
- The speech positions China as a champion of inclusive AI standards, directly challenging US dominance.
A Keynote That Drew a Line
Xi Jinping’s address at the World AI Conference was his first to the summit, and he wasted no time framing the stakes. He described US-led efforts to restrict AI technology transfers as counterproductive, arguing that containment would only accelerate fragmentation and slow global progress.
His tone was not defensive. Instead, Xi cast China as the steward of an open, cooperative AI future — a direct counter to Washington’s national security-driven approach. The term “inclusive development” appeared repeatedly, signaling Beijing’s intent to court the Global South and non-aligned nations that feel caught between the two superpowers.
“Xi’s opposition to AI restrictions is not just about technology — it’s about setting the narrative. He wants China to be seen as the builder, not the gatekeeper.”
The Rise of WAICO
A major development from the conference was the creation of the World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO) , backed by 29 countries. The body is designed to shape global AI standards, ethics guidelines, and cross-border research collaboration — areas long dominated by Western institutions.
WAICO’s formation signals a pivot. Rather than working entirely within existing frameworks, China and its partners are building parallel structures. For multinational tech firms, this could mean navigating two distinct regulatory ecosystems: one led by the US and Europe, another by Beijing and its allies.
No details on WAICO’s charter or membership list were released, but the speed of its formation — announced during the summit — suggests months of quiet diplomacy. The move echoes the approach China used with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: build an alternative that offers speed and fewer strings.
Counting Down to a US Visit
Alongside the policy fireworks, the market is pricing a surprisingly high probability that Xi will set foot on American soil before 2027. As of the conference date, prediction contracts showed an 89.5% YES chance of a US visit by year-end 2026.
That number is remarkable for two reasons. First, it came out on the same day Xi publicly blasted US technology restrictions. Second, no formal invitation has been announced. Traders appear to be betting that the economic and diplomatic costs of a total estrangement are too high for either side to sustain — and that a high-profile summit could serve as a reset button.
If Xi does visit, it will be the most consequential US-China meeting since his 2023 trip to San Francisco. The agenda would almost certainly include AI governance, trade, and Taiwan.
What It Means for the AI Race
Xi’s WAIC performance is the clearest signal yet that the US-China tech rivalry is entering a new phase — one where each side bids for global allies rather than fighting purely in labs and boardrooms. The US has leaned on export controls and investment screening; China now offers an alternative framework based on cooperation and access.
For venture capital and AI startups, the risk is clear: a bifurcated market where compliance with one bloc means exclusion from the other. Companies that rely on US chips or Chinese data may soon have to choose sides.
Interestingly, the crypto world was completely absent from Xi’s speech. Despite coverage on Crypto Briefing, the address contained no mention of blockchain, digital yuan, or tokenization. That silence may be intentional — Beijing appears to be prioritizing AI over crypto in its strategic tech push, at least for now.
Looking Ahead
The 89.5% prediction on a US visit suggests financial markets see a diplomatic opening, even as the rhetoric hardens. If Xi crosses the Pacific, the world will watch closely for any signs of compromise — or further entrenchment.
WAICO’s next steps will also matter. Will it launch concrete standards and tie them to trade agreements? Will US allies join, or resist? The AI governance race is no longer theoretical; it has a headquarters, a leader, and a growing membership list.
For now, Xi has drawn his line in Shanghai’s convention hall. The ball is back in Washington’s court.
