Wuzhen (TDI): President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations via video to the 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit, which opened in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province, on Wednesday.
The summit, themed “Embracing a People-Centered and AI-for-Good Digital Future – Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace,” aims to enhance international cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and foster a globally inclusive digital future.
President Xi underscored the rapid advancements in the ongoing technological revolution, urging stakeholders to embrace digital transformation while prioritizing innovation, safety, and inclusivity in cyberspace.
He called for collaborative efforts to build a community with a shared future in cyberspace, enhancing the internet’s capacity to benefit humanity.
“China is prepared to join hands with nations worldwide to drive the information revolution forward and create a brighter digital future for all,” Xi said.
The summit saw participation from Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, who delivered the keynote address.
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Since its inception in 2014, the Wuzhen Summit has evolved into a pivotal platform for fostering dialogue and building consensus on global internet governance.
Over the years, it has contributed significantly to the development of a community-centred cyberspace vision and bolstered China’s role in shaping the global digital landscape.
UN Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua, addressing the summit via video link, emphasized the transformative impact of AI, calling for a people-centered approach to realize its potential.
“Global collaboration and dialogue are crucial to understanding diverse needs and perspectives,” he noted.
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Prominent industry leaders, including Lei Jun, founder of Xiaomi, highlighted China’s advancements in internet infrastructure and its role in global digital transformation.
Zhou Hongyi, founder of 360 Security Technology, pointed to the potential of AI to drive high-quality economic growth by upgrading traditional industries.
New Frontiers of Cooperation
Marking a significant milestone, the summit included the inaugural “China-ASEAN Information Harbor Forum,” aimed at deepening digital cooperation between China and ASEAN nations.
Malaysian legislator Heng Lee Lee described the initiative as a promising opportunity for ASEAN countries to accelerate digital transformation, leveraging China’s expertise in e-commerce and digital finance.
The “Light of Internet Expo,” a key event at the summit, began on Tuesday, showcasing state-of-the-art AI technologies.
Visitors engaged with Tencent’s Hunyuan-powered AI assistant in a 3D interactive format, blending technology with cultural exhibits.
As the conference progresses, it reinforces the need for balanced technological innovation underpinned by governance, inclusivity, and shared progress, setting the stage for a globally interconnected digital era.
