Afghanistan, July 18 -- China launched a new international artificial intelligence alliance on Friday as President Xi Jinping called for global cooperation, shared governance and broader access to AI, positioning Beijing as a leader in shaping the technology's future.

China has launched a new international artificial intelligence alliance aimed at expanding global cooperation and developing regulatory frameworks for the safe use of AI, as competition over the technology intensifies between major powers.

Speaking at the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on Friday, President Xi Jinping urged countries to seize what he described as a "historic opportunity" presented by artificial intelligence and call...