Xi Jinping Showcases China’s “AI Power” in Front of Big Tech Leaders Amid Trump’s Defiance

Chinese President’s Meeting with IT Moguls Highlights Innovation and Employment Contributions

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted a significant symposium with leaders from the country’s top private tech companies in Beijing. This marked his first such event since 2018, signaling a renewed focus on supporting the private sector's role in China's economic growth. Among the influential figures present were Alibaba’s founder Jack Ma, Xiaomi’s CEO Lei Jun, and Liang Wenfeng, the creator of the rapidly advancing AI firm DeepC.

The meeting, which gathered notable Chinese business leaders, including Ren Zhengfei from Huawei, BYD’s Wang Chuanfu, and CATL’s Zeng Yuqun, was convened to discuss the pivotal role of innovation in China’s economic development. Xi Jinping emphasized that private enterprises are crucial to the nation's progress, particularly in driving technological innovation and creating job opportunities. This marks a strong statement of support for the private sector, especially as China continues to strengthen its capabilities in emerging fields like artificial intelligence.

At the event, Xi acknowledged the substantial contributions of these tech giants to China’s economy. He highlighted how their innovations not only fuel economic growth but also play a significant part in addressing China’s broader employment challenges. The presence of industry leaders like Ma and Lei, who have been somewhat sidelined in recent years due to shifting governmental policies, added weight to the importance of this gathering.

The meeting also included a display of China’s rapidly expanding AI capabilities. One of the key figures in attendance, Liang Wenfeng of DeepC, has recently gained international attention for the company’s low-cost, high-efficiency generative AI models. DeepC's development of the reasoning AI model, 'R1,' has stirred global interest and positioned the company as a leader in artificial intelligence innovation.

As Xi Jinping took the stage, he was met with standing applause from the attendees. Many of the tech moguls diligently took notes while listening to the President's speech, signaling their full attention and alignment with his message of innovation and private sector empowerment. The participation of industry leaders at this event illustrates China’s commitment to fostering a competitive environment that nurtures technological breakthroughs, while also signaling the country's ambition to be a dominant force in AI development.

This rare interaction between Xi Jinping and China’s leading private tech entrepreneurs underscores the government's intent to create a favorable environment for innovation. It also emphasizes how the Chinese leadership seeks to balance state control with private sector growth, ensuring that tech companies contribute to national goals such as job creation, technological advancement, and global economic leadership.

With the AI revolution accelerating, China’s push to dominate this space is clear, particularly in the context of global competition with other tech giants like the United States. President Xi's actions reflect a strong desire to showcase China’s technological prowess while strategically positioning the country for long-term economic and geopolitical influence.