- Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a new AI alliance called the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) at the World AI Conference in Shanghai.
- During his speech, Xi emphasized the need for international cooperation in AI, stating that AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country.
- Live coverage from WAIC highlighted how AI products are improving health and daily life, showcasing their impact on education, wellness, and public health.
- The WAICO was formally formed on July 16 and aims to promote international cooperation and develop AI regulations that ensure the technology is beneficial and safe for humans.
- The founding members of WAICO include 29 countries, with significant representation from the Global South, such as Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia, South Africa, Senegal, Russia, and Pakistan.
- Analysts suggest that Beijing aims to use the alliance to influence how AI policies are framed at the UN amid a perceived retreat of the US from global AI norms.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged international collaboration on artificial intelligence at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, emphasizing that AI development should not be dominated by any single nation. He stated, “AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation.”12367
Xi announced the formation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), comprising 29 founding nations including major Global South countries like Indonesia, Brazil, and Russia. The organization aims to promote international cooperation and establish AI regulations that prioritize human safety and benefits.
Highlighting China's role, Xi noted the importance of equitable access to AI for developing nations to avoid “new historical injustices.” He called for a “people-centred” approach to AI, ensuring it remains under human control through regulations and monitoring systems. Analysts suggest that Beijing aims to leverage WAICO to influence global AI policy, especially as the U.S. retreats from international norms-setting in technology.910
“With Washington rapidly retreating from global cyber and AI norms-setting processes... Beijing is keen to demonstrate its global leadership,” said governance expert Arindrajit Basu. The summit reflects China's ambition to position itself as a leader in the evolving AI landscape, particularly among developing nations.
“Xi stressed that AI development should be a 'symphony of international cooperation', not a 'solo performance by a single country', in an apparent jab at the United States. The newly formed World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) includes 29 founding members such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Russia, and aims to shape AI norms at the UN.”
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