The July 17, 2026 meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Shanghai occurred against a backdrop of unprecedented global transformation and turbulence. This high-level engagement, held on the sidelines of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, served as a powerful reaffirmation of China’s steadfast support for the United Nations and multilateralism at a time when the international order faces profound challenges. The meeting was particularly symbolic as it marked the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s lawful seat at the UN, a historical milestone that Xi referenced to underscore China’s enduring commitment to the world body.
Xi Jinping opened the meeting by highly commending Guterres’ decade-long leadership of the UN, particularly his defense of multilateralism, efforts to address climate change, advancement of global governance in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, and initiation of UN reform processes. This positive assessment set a constructive tone for the discussions, with Xi emphasizing that China has consistently been a “builder of world peace, contributor to global development, defender of international order, and staunch supporter of the UN” since 1971. The Chinese president explicitly linked his vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the four global initiatives (Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative) to upholding the UN’s status and authority, presenting these concepts as complementary to rather than competitive with the UN system.
The discussions took place against what Xi characterized as a more pronounced period of international turbulence and change, making the practice of “true multilateralism” and the revitalization of the UN’s status and role not just desirable but essential. Xi articulated three key principles for this revitalization: first, upholding fairness and justice by respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and legitimate rights of all countries, with a stark warning that “the world must never be allowed to return to the law of the jungle”; second, maintaining principles while breaking new ground by honoring the UN Charter’s purposes and safeguarding the post-World War II international system while also encouraging UN reform and adaptation to contemporary challenges; and third, stepping forward to assume responsibilities, with major countries shouldering greater responsibilities and demonstrating broader vision. Xi emphasized that China has consistently taken concrete actions to explore the right way for major countries to interact in the new era, injecting greater stability and certainty into global affairs.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on global governance of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, which was the central theme of the conference both leaders attended. Xi’s keynote address at the conference opening had outlined China’s position on AI development and governance, emphasizing that AI should be developed in a people-centered, inclusive, and beneficial manner. The meeting with Guterres provided an opportunity to discuss China’s concrete initiatives in this area, most notably the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). Twenty-nine countries signed the agreement to establish WAICO during the conference, with its permanent headquarters to be located in Shanghai. Xi described this as a major measure responding to the calls of the Global South and uniting the international community to promote AI development and governance, marking an important milestone in AI history.
Guterres responded by warmly congratulating China on the successful convening of the World AI Conference and speaking highly of China’s initiative to establish WAICO. He stated that he fully endorsed the propositions put forward by Xi in his keynote speech, particularly the emphasis on “AI for good, inclusiveness and security,” which he noted was highly consistent with the UN’s strategic goals and philosophy. The Secretary-General affirmed that the UN stood ready to maintain close communication and cooperation with China and support WAICO in playing an important role in serving the shared well-being of humanity. Guterres also acknowledged China’s steadfast support for multilateralism, the UN’s cause, and international cooperation, stating that China had set an example for the world regardless of how difficult or complex international circumstances became.
The meeting reinforced China’s role as a provider of solutions and public goods for global governance, particularly in areas where the UN system requires adaptation to new challenges. Xi’s announcement that China would provide 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries over the next five years and establish international AI application cooperation centers for various regional organizations demonstrated a concrete approach to capacity building and addressing the digital divide. These initiatives align with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and reflect China’s emphasis on ensuring that technological advancements benefit all countries, especially the Global South, rather than exacerbating existing inequalities. The establishment of WAICO, with its commitment to promoting AI development that puts people first and embraces inclusiveness and shared benefits, represents a significant institutional innovation in global governance.
The Xi-Guterres meeting also carried important implications for the broader trajectory of multilateralism and international cooperation. At a time when unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonic bullying were on the rise, both leaders emphasized the necessity of safeguarding the UN Charter and international law. Guterres explicitly stated that the UN would continue to strengthen cooperation with China to resist unilateralism, protectionism, and domineering practices, and to advance the process toward a multipolar world. This alignment of views between China and the UN leadership on the fundamental principles of international relations sent a strong signal of solidarity at a moment of considerable geopolitical uncertainty. The meeting suggested a shared commitment to reforming and improving global governance institutions to make them more representative, inclusive, and effective in addressing contemporary challenges.
Historically, the meeting marked another step in China’s evolving relationship with the UN system, from its initial engagement as a newly restored member in 1971 to its current role as a leading contributor to UN budgets and peacekeeping operations, and a proactive shaper of global governance norms. The 55th anniversary of China’s return to the UN provided an opportunity to reflect on this journey and reaffirm China’s commitment to multilateralism. Xi’s emphasis on China’s role as a “defender of international order” and his linking of Chinese initiatives to strengthening the UN’s authority reflected a strategic alignment between China’s national interests and the maintenance of a stable, rules-based international system. This framing positions China not as a challenger to the existing order but as a reformist power seeking to make global governance more equitable and effective.
The focus on AI governance highlighted how emerging technologies are reshaping global power dynamics and creating new governance challenges that require multilateral solutions. The establishment of WAICO, with China’s backing and the participation of 29 founding members, represented a significant alternative to fragmented, Western-led governance initiatives. By emphasizing principles of “extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits,” China presented a model of technology governance that contrasts with approaches based on geopolitical competition and technological decoupling. The meeting with Guterres signaled China’s intent to work through the UN system and complementary mechanisms like WAICO to shape global standards for AI development and deployment, ensuring they reflect the interests and values of a broader range of countries, particularly developing nations.
In conclusion, the Xi-Guterres meeting in Shanghai served as a powerful reaffirmation of multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges. Through their discussions, both leaders articulated a shared vision for a more just and equitable international order, one that balances the need for stability and continuity with the imperative of reform and adaptation to new realities. China’s concrete initiatives in AI governance, coupled with its steadfast support for the UN’s authority and mission, demonstrated a comprehensive approach to global leadership that combines normative advocacy with practical institution-building. As the international system continues to navigate a period of profound transformation, the principles and initiatives discussed during this meeting are likely to influence the trajectory of global governance for years to come, offering a path toward more inclusive, effective, and representative multilateral cooperation.