The 2026 China International Intelligent Communication Forum (CIICF) is being held in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, from November 8 to 10, with artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for the global media landscape taking center stage.

Co-hosted by China Media Group (CMG) and the Jiangsu Provincial People's Government, the forum is in its sixth edition, bringing together government officials, scholars and industry representatives from China and abroad to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of intelligent communication.

Yu Junsheng, vice president of CMG, said the forum has become an important platform for international cultural exchange and for showcasing China's communication innovations. He called for integrating ideas, art and technology, connecting the world through digital intelligence and aligning with the national "AI Plus" initiative, so that the potential of technology can be turned into accessible and beneficial communication.

Xu Ying, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee and head of its Publicity Department, said AI is reshaping the landscape of international communication at an unprecedented pace. This year's forum focuses on the international communication of digital culture and the AI-generated content (AIGC) industry, and is expected to generate new momentum for global intelligent communication, she said.

Oleg Kopylov, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, said AI is fundamentally reshaping global information production and opening new pathways for dialogue among civilizations. The SCO sees AI as an enabling force for sustainable development and is ready to work with media in member states to improve global AI governance, he said.

Zamir Ahmed Awan, founding chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, said respect, honesty, cooperation and cultural diversity must be upheld as technology changes the way people communicate, adding that the forum can help broaden cooperation among Global South countries.

Acting Mayor of Wuxi Cai Jianfeng said the city aims to become a signature window for the world to understand China by applying AI across international communication.

Participants jointly released the Wuxi Initiative of the China International Intelligent Communication Forum, which called for technology for good, deeper cooperation and mutual learning. It also proposed building a new global ecosystem for intelligent communication that is open, inclusive, collaborative and mutually beneficial. The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences also released the Chinese Cities' International Intelligent Communication Capacity Development Report 2026.

Side events included forums on digital culture and the AIGC industry, the "Wuxi Dialogue" on local international communication and an international media tour.