- Premier Li Qiang to open 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai.
- Theme: “Governing AI for Good and for All” emphasizes China’s AI leadership amidst US-China tech rivalry.
- UN resolution led by China promotes inclusive global AI business environment.
- Over 1,500 AI products showcased, highlighting advancements in AI technologies.
- Keynote speakers include Elon Musk, Robin Li Yanhong, Eric Jing, and Wang Jian.
- SenseTime unveils SenseNova 5.5, enhancing generative AI capabilities.
- Chinese semiconductor developers debut advanced AI chips at WAIC.
- Huawei’s AI chip unit, Ascend, focuses on AI model computational requirements.
Main AI News:
China’s premier AI event, the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), is set to kick off this Thursday in Shanghai amidst heightened global competition in technology. Premier Li Qiang will deliver the opening speech at this pivotal gathering, themed “Governing AI for Good and for All,” emphasizing China’s strategic efforts to lead in establishing crucial AI standards amid escalating tensions with the United States and international sanctions.
The seventh edition of WAIC expects to showcase over 1,500 AI-related products and systems, underscoring China’s commitment to innovation in the face of recent diplomatic achievements, such as the unanimous adoption of a China-led resolution by the UN General Assembly. This resolution advocates for a “free, open, inclusive and non-discriminatory” global business environment conducive to AI development across nations, both developed and developing.
Over 500 enterprises are slated to participate in this year’s conference, with prominent figures from major tech companies scheduled to deliver keynote addresses. Notable speakers include Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, as well as Executive Chairman of X (formerly Twitter), who praised China’s capabilities in a previous WAIC speech, highlighting its prowess in AI and innovation. Other anticipated speakers include Robin Li Yanhong, co-founder and CEO of Baidu, Eric Jing, Executive Chairman and CEO of Ant Group, and Wang Jian, founder of Alibaba Group Holding’s cloud computing unit, which owns the South China Morning Post.
A highlight of the conference will be the unveiling of SenseTime’s SenseNova 5.5, an upgraded version of their large language model (LLM) critical for generative AI services like ChatGPT. Discussions at WAIC are expected to focus on the future of LLMs and their impact on AI innovation globally.
In addition to advancements in AI software, WAIC will feature a showcase of hardware innovations from Chinese semiconductor developers, including Shanghai-based Iluvatar Corex, Moore Threads, Sophgo, and Tencent Holdings-backed startup Enflame Technology. These companies are poised to demonstrate cutting-edge AI chips designed to address market gaps left by international sanctions, particularly in light of restrictions affecting Nvidia’s operations in China. Biren Technology, another domestic GPU developer, will also participate, contributing to discussions on industry trends and technological advancements in AI hardware.
Huawei Technologies’ AI chip unit, Ascend, will host a closed-door forum during the conference, focusing on the computational demands of large-scale AI models and the technological breakthroughs required to meet these challenges. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, Huawei remains committed to advancing AI capabilities through innovative semiconductor solutions, including their advanced 7-nanometer smartphone processors, despite potential threats of further sanctions from the US government.
As WAIC 2024 unfolds, it serves not only as a showcase of China’s technological prowess in AI but also as a platform for global collaboration and innovation in the field of artificial intelligence, shaping the future of AI governance and development worldwide.
Conclusion:
China’s assertive leadership at the 2024 WAIC underscores its determination to set global AI standards amidst geopolitical tensions with the United States. The conference not only showcases technological advancements and innovations in AI but also signals China’s strategic intent to foster a more inclusive and collaborative environment for AI development globally. By unveiling cutting-edge technologies and hosting international industry leaders, China aims to solidify its position as a key player in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
