PARIS — A significant AI summit is underway in Paris, where global political leaders are engaged in complex diplomatic discussions while tech giants vie for influence in a rapidly evolving industry. The two-day event, which began on Monday, features heads of state, government officials, CEOs, and scientists from around 100 countries. Notable attendees include U. S. Vice President JD Vance, making his inaugural international trip since taking office, and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for Europe to capitalize on the AI revolution, noting its potential to improve quality of life and services. Vice President Vance is expected to meet with Macron to discuss topics including Ukraine and the Middle East. Echoing former President Donald Trump, Vance has raised concerns about U. S. financial support for Ukraine and America's strategies regarding Russia. He will also attend the Munich Security Conference later this week, where he may encounter Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. European leaders are closely monitoring Trump’s remarks on potential tariffs, territorial claims such as Greenland, and contentious proposals regarding Gaza, which have been dismissed by Arab allies.

The summit seeks to promote AI advancements across various sectors like healthcare, education, and culture. A new global public-private partnership, "Current AI, " is set to support initiatives serving the common good. Linda Griffin from Mozilla described the summit as a pivotal moment for international dialogue on AI governance, advocating for a shift from private monopolies to public-interest frameworks. However, the U. S. commitment to these initiatives remains uncertain. French organizers aim for significant investment announcements, with Macron revealing an upcoming €109 billion ($113 billion) in private AI investments, paralleling Trump’s Stargate AI data centers plan. Co-hosting the summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to broaden global participation in AI, warning against exacerbating the existing digital divide. Macron and Modi plan to visit Marseille on Wednesday to inaugurate a new Indian consulate and tour the ITER nuclear research facility. Additionally, discussions are advancing on France's potential sale of 26 Rafale fighter jets and three Scorpene submarines to India, with a deal expected soon. ___ This report includes contributions from AP journalists Kelvin Chan in Paris and Aijaz Hussain in New Delhi.