Russia wants AI, digital cooperation with China, Putin tells Xi

Moscow is seeking to boost cooperation with Beijing in artificial intelligence and digital innovation, Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Monday. This comes as the two leaders convened for a two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional bloc that aims to serve as a counterbalance to the West.

Putin arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, alongside Xi for the SCO summit. During their arrival, Putin expressed that Russia, grappling with its military presence in Ukraine, has deepened its ties with China, a key oil supplier to Moscow. The SCO leaders last met in May in Beijing.

Putin highlighted that digital innovations, including artificial intelligence technologies, are providing new avenues for economic growth for both countries. In recent months, the Kremlin has intensified its control over the online sphere by intermittently shutting down the internet and imposing restrictions on popular messaging apps.

Meanwhile, the Russian government has been actively promoting the state-backed Max messenger platform, which has privacy and surveillance concerns. Additionally, authorities have repeatedly threatened foreign-owned websites with bans, part of a broader attempt to maintain control and monitor internet usage in Russia.