China “Summer Davos” forum focused on how artificial intelligence (AI) can help boost economic growth.
Experts said AI is creating new opportunities in areas such as education, healthcare, and industry. However, they also warned that people are becoming worried about job losses and security risks linked to the technology.
According to World Economic Forum (WEF) Managing Director Mirek Dusek, the main challenge is making sure technological progress benefits the real economy and improves people lives. At the same time, global economic conditions remain uncertain. The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has disrupted shipping routes in the Middle East, raising concerns about trade and energy supplies.
These challenges have pushed the World Bank to lower its global growth forecast for 2026. Dusek described the current situation as a weak economic environment and warned that increasing divisions between countries could further slow growth and reduce opportunities worldwide. Chinese Premier Li Qiang was expected to deliver an important speech at the event in Dalian, where business leaders and policymakers gathered to discuss economic issues. China economy, the second largest in the world, has faced difficulties since the pandemic.
Featuring the theme "Innovating at Scale," the Summer Davos, held from June 23 to 25, is gathering over 1,700 participants from over 90 countries and regions across the world https://t.co/0744PWKXNA pic.twitter.com/W4mdc5pNC1
— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) June 24, 2026
While exports and AI-related industries have grown strongly, weak consumer spending and problems in the property sector continue to affect economic performance. Relations between China and the United States also remained a major topic at the forum. Harvard professor Graham Allison said the possibility of conflict between the two powers cannot be ignored.
He referred to the “Thucydides Trap,” a theory suggesting that tensions often rise when a growing power challenges an established one. Allison explained that history shows such situations can sometimes lead to war if not managed carefully. Despite these concerns, Allison expressed hope that conflict can be avoided. He pointed to recent discussions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump as a positive sign.
According to Allison, both leaders appear to understand the risks of rivalry and are looking for ways to build a more stable relationship. He said their efforts could help prevent the historical pattern that the Thucydides Trap describes and reduce tensions between the world two largest economies.
