2026 World Internet Conference opens in Wuzhen with focus on AI governance

The 2026 World Internet Conference is currently underway in Wuzhen, focusing on the development and governance of artificial intelligence. The event centers on the theme of promoting an open, inclusive digital innovation ecosystem.

Addressing the opening, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that internet technology should focus on enhancing human capabilities and welfare. The government emphasized that technological progress should not deepen social inequality or render humans subservient to automated systems. Beijing pledged to continue its commitment to international cooperation in technology transfer and knowledge sharing.

The conference features 27 sub-forums covering topics such as global cyberspace governance, embodied intelligence, and robotics. Industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers are expected to engage in discussions regarding the construction of open-source AI ecosystems, while the accompanying exhibition hosts over 400 enterprises showcasing smart technologies.