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Xi promotes AI development as Shanghai Cooperation Organisation emphasises regional stability

Chinese President Xi Jinping has advocated for artificial intelligence advancement during Shanghai Cooperation Organisation discussions, as the bloc positions itself as a stabilising force in South and Southeast Asia.

LSN World News · 1 September 2026

Xi promotes AI development as Shanghai Cooperation Organisation emphasises regional stability

President Xi Jinping used the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation platform to champion artificial intelligence development as a strategic priority for the region, signalling Beijing's commitment to emerging technology sectors. The remarks came as the multilateral bloc sought to reinforce its role in maintaining regional stability amid geopolitical tensions across Asia.

The SCO, which comprises China, Russia, India, Pakistan and four Central Asian nations, has increasingly positioned itself as a counterweight to Western-led international structures. During recent discussions, member states emphasised their shared commitment to security cooperation and economic integration while presenting themselves as defenders of regional peace and order.

Xi's emphasis on artificial intelligence reflects China's broader technological ambitions and its efforts to shape regional development priorities. The proposal suggests Beijing intends to leverage SCO platforms to advance collaborative frameworks in emerging technologies, potentially positioning Chinese innovation at the centre of regional progress.

The SCO's assertion of its stabilising role comes as member states navigate complex bilateral relationships and differing strategic interests. The organisation continues balancing its stated commitment to multilateral cooperation with individual nations' competing geopolitical objectives in an increasingly multipolar Asian landscape.