WAIC 2026 Opens Tomorrow in Shanghai With 300+ Global AI Debuts and Xi Jinping Attending In Person for First Time Since 2018

WAIC 2026: Shanghai, July 17–20, 2026

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026) opens July 17 in Shanghai. It is the largest edition of the event in its history.

What to Expect

• 300+ global debuts of AI products and models
• Personal appearance by President Xi Jinping — first time since 2018
• Hundreds of Chinese and international AI companies participating

Geopolitical Context

The conference takes place amid intense global AI competition. China uses it to demonstrate technological strength and autonomy. Xi Jinping's attendance signals AI as a top strategic priority at the highest level of Chinese leadership.