Could Xi's Vision for AI Clash With Trump's? | Insight with Haslinda Amin 7/17/2026

Summary

President Xi Jinping appears at the World AI Conference, pushing China's role in shaping global AI rules and offering training to the Global South. President Trump revives unsubstantiated 2020 election interference claims against China, risking trade ties. Samir Puri discusses China's AI cost advantage and the 'Westless' world. A deepening chip selloff spreads globally, with Garfield Reynolds warning of more downside. India's monsoon deficit hits 20%, threatening crops and food inflation; former agriculture secretary sees food CPI crossing 6-7% but comfortable grain stocks. HSBC upgrades Indian equities to neutral. The Trump administration imposes new student visa limits.

• Xi Jinping makes first appearance at World AI Conference, calls for multilateral AI governance and offers 5,000 training spots for Global South nations.
• Trump accuses China of the largest compromise of US election data in history, threatening trade relations ahead of midterms.
• Samir Puri argues China can compete on cost in AI, opening inroads in telecommunications and AI services, adding to 'Westlessness'.
• Semiconductor selloff deepens worldwide with AI darling stocks seeing profit-taking; analyst says capitulation is still far away.
• India's monsoon rainfall deficit widens to ~20%, delaying sowing and raising food inflation risks, though wheat/rice stocks remain adequate.
• Former agriculture secretary Siraj Hussain says food inflation could cross 6-7%, but crop support prices unlikely to jump significantly.
• HSBC upgrades Indian equities to neutral, citing easing oil-price risks and strong consumption.
• DHS rule limits student visa duration to four years, requiring extensions and biometric data, likely reducing international student inflows.