China on Friday emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) was not exclusive to major powers, warned against turning it into a competitive tool and announced plans to host global AI governance conference in Shanghai.

(Photo: Official website of China's foreign ministry)

At a routine press briefing in Beijing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning called for joint international efforts to steer artificial intelligence development toward inclusive global benefits, rejecting the narrative that the emerging technology is an arena for major-power competition or confrontation.

"Artificial intelligence is not a patent exclusive to major countries, still less should it be allowed to drift into confrontation and competition," Mao said.

China will host the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai in July, she said.

"China looks forward to using the conference as an opportunity to engage in in-depth exchanges and dialogue with all parties, strengthen global AI governance and promote the development of AI in serving the well-being of all humanity," the ministry spokesperson said.

(Compiled by Xia Lehan)