China's AI sector is moving from isolated breakthroughs to a systemic leap forward. The country has built an innovation ecosystem spanning infrastructure, algorithms, computing power and applications.

China's leading technology companies showcased hundreds of cutting-edge products at the World AI Conference in Shanghai — from advanced robotics to artificial intelligence systems. The nation's annual flagship AI event,

Staff members work at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, east China, July 16, 2026. Shanghai is ushering in its major AI moment of the year with the forthcoming 2026 World AI Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance,

People take photos of a GD-01 robot of Unitree at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, east China, July 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang) SHANGHAI, July 18 (Xinhua) -- As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes economies and societies,

A China-led global AI cooperative body has formally been established at a signing ceremony ahead of the annual World AI Conference in Shanghai. Several world leaders are in attendance, including Pakistan's foreign minister.

A visitor and a humanoid robot make heart gestures as they pose for photos during the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, east Chi

A robot fetches a pack of mock medicine from a shelf during the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai, east China, July 19, 2026. The ongoing 2026 World AI Conference turns out to be a highly competitive arena for general embodied AI products from more than 200 providers.

A balloon dog made by a humanoid robot steals the spotlight at China's biggest AI event, showcasing the growing precision of next generation machines.

American-led restrictions have blocked China from accessing some of the world's most advanced technologies, spurring China's efforts to build its own know-how and intensifying the tech race between the world's two biggest economies.

By Laurie Chen, Casey Hall and Eduardo Baptista SHANGHAI/BEIJING, July 17 (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday cast Beijing as the champion of a new global AI order, using China's premier tech conference to promote open-source technology and challenge U.