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China Promotes Open-Source AI As Xi Seeks Greater Global Influence

China is promoting open-source artificial intelligence development and international cooperation as Beijing seeks greater influence over how AI is built, deployed and governed.

Chinese AI companies have gained attention for developing open-source models whose underlying code can be accessed and adapted by users. The approach has helped position China as a competitor in the global race to shape AI development and policy.

Xi Backs Open AI Ecosystem

At a recent summit, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said Beijing would support an initiative on “open-source and inclusive A.I.” and encourage cooperation on developing and applying large language models, according to a readout by state broadcaster CCTV.

The initiative would also include specialized research and training programs for BRICS countries, Xi said, with the goal of building an open AI ecosystem.

BRICS, which includes China, Russia and India among other emerging economies, was founded in 2009 as a platform for countries seeking greater influence in global institutions.

Beijing Seeks Role In AI Governance

Xi also called for a broad, consensus-based global framework for AI governance. The proposal signals that Beijing aims to influence not only AI development but also the rules governing the technology.

His comments come as policymakers and technology executives raise concerns that AI development could outpace efforts to manage its risks.

AI Could Feature In Trump-Xi Talks

Xi is expected to visit the United States this month for talks with President Donald Trump, with AI governance potentially on the agenda.

Governments are increasingly weighing how to support AI innovation while maintaining oversight of a technology advancing faster than existing regulatory frameworks.

Cyprus Job Vacancies Fall 7% As Hiring Demand Softens

Cyprus’ job vacancy rate fell to 2.6% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 2.8% in the previous quarter and 3.3% a year earlier, according to data from the Statistical Service, or Cystat.

Vacancies declined by 975, or 7%, from 13,905 in the first quarter. The drop points to softer hiring demand, although several sectors continue to face staffing shortages.

Hospitality Records Highest Vacancy Rate

Accommodation and food service activities had the highest vacancy rate at 4.6%, reflecting continued demand for workers in one of Cyprus’ most labor-intensive industries.

Transportation and storage and administrative and support services followed at 3.5% each, while construction recorded a 3.1% vacancy rate. Wholesale and retail trade stood at 3%.

Hospitality And Trade Have Most Openings

Accommodation and food service activities also recorded the largest number of vacancies, with 2,827 positions. Wholesale and retail trade followed with 2,286, while construction had 1,330.

Professional, scientific and technical activities recorded 874 vacancies, followed by transportation and storage with 859, manufacturing with 854, and administrative and support services with 789.

Public administration and defense had 665 vacancies, while human health and social work activities recorded 572. Information and communication activities had 441 openings, and financial and insurance activities had 398.

Vacancy Rates Vary Widely Across Sectors

Manufacturing and human health and social work activities each recorded vacancy rates of 2.2%. Publishing, broadcasting and content production, information and communication, and public administration and defense each stood at 2%.

Water supply and waste management and professional, scientific and technical activities recorded 1.9%, while other services stood at 1.8%, financial and insurance activities at 1.7%, and arts, sports and recreation at 1.5%.

Education had a vacancy rate of 0.7%, while electricity supply and real estate activities each stood at 0.6%. Mining and quarrying recorded no vacancies.

What Counts As A Job Vacancy

Cystat defines a job vacancy as a paid position that is newly created, unoccupied or about to become vacant, where an employer is actively seeking an external candidate and intends to fill the role immediately or within a specified period.

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