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

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed Russia's intention to collaborate with China in artificial intelligence and digital innovation during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kyrgyzstan. The two world leaders were attending a two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional bloc that aims to counterbalance Western influence.

The SCO meeting took place as Russia continues to face challenges in Ukraine, with its military presence in the region intensifying tensions. Despite the ongoing conflict, Russia and China have deepened their ties, with China emerging as a major oil customer for Moscow. Notably, China has refrained from condemning Russia for its four-and-a-half-year invasion of Ukraine.

Putin informed Xi that Russia and China are experiencing successful cooperation across various sectors. Digital advancements, including those in artificial intelligence, present new opportunities for the economic development of both nations, Putin stated. The Kremlin has been taking steps to strengthen its control over the online space, including intermittent internet shutdowns, restrictions on popular messaging apps, and encouraging the use of state-backed messaging platform, Max, in place of foreign-owned services like WeChat.

Critics have raised concerns about the privacy implications and potential surveillance associated with the Max platform. Additionally, Russian authorities have threatened foreign-owned websites with bans, reflecting a broader effort to control and monitor internet usage within the country.