The World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit opened on Wednesday in Zhejiang Province, China, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI). Chinese President Xi Jinping sent congratulations via video, urging efforts to embrace digital, internet-based, and smart development trends. He called for accelerating innovative, safe, and inclusive growth in cyberspace.
Alibaba Group Holding CEO Daniel Zhang highlighted the company’s commitment to AI at the summit. Zhang said Alibaba is dedicated to laying the groundwork and supporting systems for AI development in China. “In the next three decades, AI will comprehensively enhance productivity across the globe,” he stated.
According to John Hoffman, CEO of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), AI is projected to generate up to $680 billion for the telecommunications industry over the next 15 to 20 years. Hoffman cited a McKinsey report during his speech at the opening ceremony.
Xi Jinping lauds World Internet Conference
Approximately 81 percent of telecom operators globally are testing generative AI solutions. Chinese operators are leading in this space with significant investments and government support. China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom have made strides in AI research and applications, transforming public services, supply chains, and healthcare.
An intelligent computing service platform has been launched in northwest China to support flood control efforts. An AI database in the southwest is dedicated to protecting and developing cultural diversity. Globally, over 150 million people could see their lives improved by mobile big data and AI solutions in the next five years, Hoffman added.
However, he also called for greater attention to the ethical and sustainable development of AI technology. The summit, themed “Embracing a People-centered and AI-for-good Digital Future — Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace,” will continue until Friday.
