Xi Jinping Meets UN Chief Guterres to Discuss AI Governance and Reform

On July 17, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Shanghai. The meeting, held alongside a major global AI summit, focused on strengthening the UN's role in emerging technology governance and broader international affairs. Xi emphasized "true multilateralism" and proposed principles of justice, innovation, and responsibility for the UN's future. Guterres praised China's leadership in addressing development gaps and climate change, signaling continued alignment between Beijing and the UN against unilateralism and protectionism.

This meeting reinforces the strategic partnership between China and the UN at a time of global geopolitical tension. By hosting the UN Secretary-General at a major AI summit, China signals its intent to lead in emerging technology governance while positioning itself as the primary defender of the UN-centered international order.

President Xi Jinping met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in Shanghai on July 17, 2026, emphasizing China's commitment to "true multilateralism" and the central role of the UN in global governance. The meeting took place at the Xijiao State Guest Hotel during the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance. Xi praised Guterres’s decade of leadership, specifically citing his efforts in defending multilateralism, addressing climate change, and promoting global governance for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. The meeting coincided with the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s legal seat at the United Nations. Xi stated that China’s "Global Initiatives"—covering development, security, and civilization—are fundamentally designed to uphold the status and authority of the UN. During the discussion, Xi outlined a three-part framework for the UN’s future role. First, he called for "justice," asserting that every nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected to avoid a return to "the law of the jungle." Second, he advocated for "innovation," suggesting the UN must undergo "self-renewal" to improve efficiency while adhering to the original purposes of the UN Charter. Third, he emphasized "responsibility," arguing that major powers should take the lead in addressing global challenges. Xi noted that China seeks to model "correct ways for major powers to get along" to provide stability to the international system. Guterres reportedly characterized China as a "role model" for international cooperation, regardless of the complexity of the global situation. He expressed appreciation for China’s efforts to bridge the "development gap," its commitment to "AI for good," and its various global initiatives. According to the report, the UN intends to deepen its partnership with China to oppose unilateralism, protectionism, and "bullying," while promoting a multipolar world. The meeting was attended by several high-ranking Chinese officials, including Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, and Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining. The high-level presence underscores the importance Beijing places on aligning its technological ambitions with international regulatory frameworks.