The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, often referred to as “Summer Davos,” has officially opened in the northeastern Chinese coastal city of Dalian. Running from June 23 to 25, 2026, the gathering brings together global political leaders, corporate executives, and technology pioneers. It comes just weeks before WAIC 2026 in Shanghai, where China will seek to further shape the global AI governance agenda. While the official agenda covers a broad range of topics, including clean energy, biotechnology, and global economic growth, the unofficial conversations dominating the corridors and panel discussions are overwhelmingly focused on two intertwined themes: the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and the intensifying technological rivalry between the United States and China.
As reported by Modern Diplomacy, the choice of China as host of this premier economic forum underscores the country’s central role in the global technology landscape, even as it faces mounting pressure from Western export controls and trade restrictions. For Beijing, Summer Davos serves as a critical platform to project an image of openness, court foreign investment, and articulate its vision for global technological governance to an influential international audience.
AI as the Engine of the “New Economy”
Artificial intelligence is the undisputed star of this year’s forum. Across numerous sessions, business leaders and policymakers are grappling with the profound implications of generative AI, large language models, and embodied intelligence on industries ranging from manufacturing and finance to healthcare and logistics.
Chinese officials are using the event to highlight the country’s rapid progress in AI development and deployment. Presentations are heavily focused on China’s strategy of integrating AI into its vast industrial base, a concept often referred to as “AI Plus.” This approach emphasizes the practical application of AI to upgrade traditional manufacturing, optimize supply chains, and drive efficiency gains, contrasting somewhat with the more consumer- and software-focused AI development often seen in Silicon Valley.
The forum also features prominent displays of Chinese technological prowess, including demonstrations of advanced humanoid robots, autonomous vehicles, and AI-driven smart city infrastructure. These showcases are designed to signal to global investors that despite US efforts to restrict access to cutting-edge semiconductors, China’s innovation engine remains robust and capable of producing world-class technology.
The Shadow of the US-China Tech War
However, the optimism surrounding AI’s potential is heavily tempered by the reality of the escalating US-China tech war. The geopolitical tensions between the two superpowers are the inescapable backdrop to almost every discussion at Summer Davos.
Corporate executives, particularly those from multinational companies, are expressing deep concern about the increasing fragmentation of the global technology ecosystem. The proliferation of export controls, investment restrictions, and data localization laws is forcing companies to navigate a complex and often contradictory regulatory landscape. Many leaders are privately warning that the decoupling of the US and Chinese tech sectors will inevitably slow the pace of global innovation, increase costs, and create significant operational challenges for businesses operating across borders.
The discussions also highlight the growing anxiety among nations in the Global South and the Middle East, many of whom feel caught in the crossfire of the superpower rivalry. Representatives from these regions are using the forum to advocate for a more inclusive approach to AI governance and technology transfer, expressing fears that the US-China conflict could widen the digital divide and leave developing nations behind in the AI revolution.
The Search for Global Governance
In the face of these challenges, there is a palpable sense of urgency at Summer Davos regarding the need for international cooperation on AI governance. Both Chinese and international experts are calling for the establishment of global norms and standards to manage the risks associated with advanced AI, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for AI to be used in cyber warfare or autonomous weapons systems.
China is actively positioning itself as a leader in this space, promoting its own initiatives for global AI governance and emphasizing the importance of multilateral frameworks that include the voices of developing nations. However, achieving meaningful international consensus remains a daunting challenge, given the deep mistrust and divergent strategic interests of the major powers.
As Summer Davos unfolds, it is clear that the intersection of artificial intelligence and geopolitics will define the global economic landscape for the foreseeable future. The discussions in Dalian offer a window into the complex calculations governments and corporations are making as they attempt to harness the transformative power of AI while navigating the treacherous waters of the US-China tech war. The outcomes of these conversations will likely shape the trajectory of global tech policy for years to come.