2024 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit to open in November

The 2024 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit will be held from Nov. 19 to 22 in the water-town of Wuzhen in east China's Zhejiang Province, with artificial intelligence at the forefront of the agenda, according to a press conference held on Thursday.

Themed "Embracing a People-centered and artificial intelligence (AI)-for-good Digital Future - Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace," the 2024 summit will feature 24 sub-forums on topics such as the China-proposed Global Development Initiative, digital economy, and innovations and governance of AI technologies.

A special focus will be placed on AI, with sub-forums covering topics, including innovations and governance of AI technologies, AI empowering new quality productive forces, as well as the responsible development and application of AI. These discussions aim to foster global cooperation and consensus on strengthening AI governance.

"The conference will give out the 'WIC Outstanding Contribution Awards' to recognize individuals and companies who have made outstanding contributions in the global internet-related fields. Additionally, the summit will also see the establishment of a special committee on AI. As the first specialized and regular branch institution established after the WIC declared itself an international organization, the special committee will build an international platform for AI exchange and cooperation," said Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the WIC.

The WIC, which has been organizing summits since 2014, has about 170 institutions, organizations, companies, and individuals from over 30 countries and regions across six continents as members.

2024 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit to open in November

President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung has expressed his hope that his upcoming visit to China will help eliminate past misunderstandings and issues, underscoring the importance of ties between the two countries.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Lee will pay a state visit to China from Jan 4 to 7. It will be Lee's first visit to China since he took office.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) in Seoul on Wednesday, Lee acknowledged the existing misunderstandings and issues between the two countries, noting that addressing these issues is a key goal of his visit.

"The current international landscape is turbulent, with escalating issues among various countries. In this context, the relationship between the Republic of Korea and China holds significant importance for us. the ROK and China are deeply interconnected in many areas, including history, economy, geopolitics, politics and security. Northeast Asia's peace, stability, mutual respect, and common prosperity are crucial for both countries," said Lee.

"Admittedly, there have been some misunderstandings and issues between the ROK and China, which have hindered the development of bilateral relations to some extent. Therefore, the purpose of my upcoming visit to China is to minimize or eliminate these past issues, foster a leap in our bilateral relations to a new level, and solidify the ROK and China as partners that mutually support each other's development," he said.

ROK President hopes to reduce misunderstandings with China during upcoming visit