Highlights of 2025 WIC Asia-Pacific Summit: AI meets regional cooperation

The World Internet Conference (WIC) Asia-Pacific Summit, held in Hong Kong on April 14-15, was one of the most prominent highlights in 2025 in the digital world, attracting wide attention. 

Against the backdrop of the accelerating global development of artificial intelligence (AI), the gathering provided a timely platform for dialogue, cooperation and consensus-building across the Asia-Pacific region.

Themed on “Integration of AI and Digital Technologies Shaping the Future — Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace,” the summit placed AI at the core of its agenda. 

Discussions focused on topics including large AI models, digital finance, digital government and smart living, reflecting the broad and practical impact of AI on economic development, public governance and daily life.

A defining feature of the summit was its emphasis on integration. Instead of discussing AI in isolation, participants explored how intelligent technologies can be combined with digital infrastructure, industrial applications and governance frameworks. 

Moreover, topics such as AI infrastructure, industrial development and security governance highlighted the need to advance innovation while ensuring openness, inclusiveness and safety.

The summit also demonstrated the WIC’s role as a global and high-level platform for promoting cooperation in the digital age. 

Participants included representatives from international organizations, governments, leading business enterprises, industry associations and academic institutions, as well as renowned internet pioneers and technology experts, showcasing the dynamic and inclusive nature of the Asia-Pacific digital landscape.

Beyond formal discussions, the summit emphasized the importance of practical cooperation. A government-business dialogue brought together policymakers, senior industry representatives and WIC members to exchange views on innovation-driven growth and global expansion. 

Side events, including the promotion of the 2025 Practice Cases of Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace and the WIC Awards for Pioneering Science and Technology, highlighted pathways for translating shared ideas into real-world practice.

In addition, the release of research findings and think tank reports, alongside advanced training programs on cybersecurity emergency response, underscored the summit’s role not only as a forum for dialogue, but also as a platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building.

During the two-day event, Zhuang Rongwen, chair of the WIC, said that the summit’s theme aligned closely with the trends in the information age. He stressed the importance of balancing AI development and security, deepening exchanges, fostering consensus and strengthening cooperation.

Wang Yong, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, remarked that the Chinese government consistently embraces the digital era with an open attitude and shares opportunities and benefits brought by internet development with countries around the world, including those in the Asia-Pacific region.

Further, Wang expressed China’s willingness to work hand in hand with other countries to promote technological innovation, deepen exchanges and cooperation, safeguard cybersecurity and stability, establish a sound governance order and jointly advance the world toward a bright future of digital-intelligent integration.

As one of the highlight WIC events in 2025, the Asia-Pacific Summit set the tone for the year. 

Looking ahead, the 2026 WIC Asia-Pacific Summit is scheduled to open in Hong Kong in April, aiming to work with global partners to build a leading platform for global digital cooperation. 

By bringing together diverse perspectives on AI, digital governance and regional cooperation, the summit is expected to highlight how the Asia-Pacific region can contribute to shaping a more open, cooperative and inclusive digital future.