China Highlights Global South Cooperation, AI Development and South China Sea Position
China has reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation with Global South countries, highlighting infrastructure development, international trade, technology cooperation and supply chain integration through high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks during a regular press conference on September 9, 2026, where she also addressed artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, AI cooperation and the South China Sea under UNCLOS.
Mao said China does not “pull up the ladder” from other countries and instead has been building opportunities for countries to develop together. She highlighted China’s cooperation with Global South partners through infrastructure projects, affordable industrial equipment, technology products, expertise sharing and initiatives designed to expand market opportunities.
China Highlights Belt and Road Cooperation
Responding to comments suggesting that China only focuses on its own development, Mao said China’s approach has consistently been based on mutual benefit and common development.
She said high-quality Belt and Road cooperation has helped partner countries bridge infrastructure gaps. China has also provided affordable industrial equipment and technology products and shared experience and expertise, helping reduce costs associated with industrial development.
Mao also highlighted China’s zero-tariff policy and the “Export to China” initiative, saying these measures create profits and market opportunities for Global South countries.
According to Mao, such opportunities can help Global South countries integrate more effectively into global supply chains and strengthen their growth resilience.
“For China, cooperation with other countries has always been about mutual success,” Mao said.
She added that China would continue to pursue mutual benefit and common development, remain a reliable partner of Global South countries and contribute to the prosperity of the Global South through China’s own development.
China Reaffirms Position on AI and Cybersecurity
The press conference also addressed AI cybersecurity following questions about an AI-assisted hacking tool reportedly developed by U.S. cybersecurity firm Calif.
AFP asked Mao about claims that the tool could access personal accounts and private information on the Chinese messaging platform WeChat. Tencent said the security risk had been fixed after being notified by Calif.
Mao said she was not familiar with the specific details but reiterated China’s position on the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence.
“China stands for promoting AI for good and preventing the abuse and malicious use of AI,” she said.
Beijing Calls for Open and Inclusive AI Development
Mao was also asked about claims by the U.S. Cyber Defense Agency concerning Chinese AI laboratories, including DeepSeek and Moonshot.
In response, Mao said the development of AI in China comes from greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology.
She said China’s AI development is also supported by its vision of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, together with a commitment to open cooperation.
Mao said all parties should ensure that AI development remains open and inclusive and contributes to the well-being of humanity.
She also called on the U.S. side to act on the important common understandings reached between the two presidents and to stop what she described as false allegations against China.
“As two major powers in AI, China and the U.S. should step up cooperation,” Mao said.
China Yet to Announce BRICS Summit Delegation Leader
Mao was also asked by NHK who would lead the Chinese delegation to the BRICS Summit in India this weekend.
She said timely information would be released if there was an update and asked interested parties to stay tuned.
China Responds to Philippine Remarks on South China Sea and UNCLOS
The South China Sea and UNCLOS were also discussed during the press conference.
AFP asked Mao about remarks by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at an international forum. Teodoro had referred to what he described as a violation of UNCLOS and used the terms “coercion, bullying and aggression” in discussing China’s position.
The remarks followed an incident in which Teodoro was handed a piece of paper outlining China’s position on the South China Sea.
Mao said she was not sure exactly what had happened at the event but reiterated China’s established position regarding the so-called South China Sea arbitration.
China Reiterates Its Position on the South China Sea Arbitration
Mao said the Philippines had unilaterally initiated the arbitration case and described it as a distortion and abuse of the UNCLOS dispute settlement mechanism.
She said it was the Philippine side that had violated UNCLOS and undermined its integrity and authority.
Mao called on the relevant individual on the Philippine side to stop provocations and theatrics and avoid actions that could affect China-Philippines relations and stability in the South China Sea.
China’s position on the South China Sea arbitration, she said, has remained clear.
Maritime Security and Regional Cooperation
The remarks underline China’s stated positions on maritime security, UNCLOS, South China Sea affairs and China-Philippines relations, alongside its broader emphasis on international cooperation.
During the September 9 press conference, China also highlighted its approach to Global South development, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, calling for cooperation, shared benefits and responsible technological development.
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