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Science and technology leaders come to Vietnam to discuss AI development

AIOctober 28, 20261 min read

At a round-table in Quang Ninh, Vietnam, government and science leaders from the US, China, Japan, South Korea and other countries discussed how to grow artificial intelligence (AI). The talks focused on rules, infrastructure, governance and international cooperation.

What happened

On October 28, a round-table called "The Government's Leading Role in AI Transformation" was held in Quang Ninh. It was part of Vietnam International Digital Week 2026. Representatives of governments and international groups took part. Vietnam's Minister of Science and Technology, Vu Hai Quan, chaired the session.

Key numbers and facts

China's core AI industry is worth more than 1,200 billion yuan.
China's open-source large language models (LLMs) have been downloaded more than 10 billion times worldwide.
China will offer 5,000 AI training opportunities to developing countries over the next 5 years.
In June, China proposed the World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO), with nearly 40 founding countries, including Vietnam.

China's message: grow AI safely

China's ambassador to Vietnam, Ha Vi, said AI is boosting productivity. He also said it raises challenges for society and core values. He called for countries to share the benefits of AI while keeping safety limits. China wants AI that puts people at the center and grows in a steady way. China also said it will help build international AI computing centers for ASEAN, the African Union and BRICS.

The US message: safe 'superintelligence' without blocking new ideas

US President Donald Trump uses the term "superintelligence" (SI) instead of artificial intelligence. US ambassador to Vietnam, Jennifer Wicks, said Vietnam needs clear, open and predictable rules. Such rules, she said, can attract investment and help businesses innovate.

Why it matters

Countries are competing to lead in AI. Their views on rules, safety and cooperation are different. Vietnam is listening to both China and the US as it shapes its own AI plans. The rules it chooses could affect investment, jobs and how fast its businesses adopt AI.

Glossary

BRICS: A group of major emerging economies that works on shared economic and political goals.
ASEAN: Association of Southeast Asian Nations: a regional group of 10 countries in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.

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