China formally establishes World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization with 29 founding members

Published Jul 20, 04:30 PM UTC

On July 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his first in-person keynote at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, underscoring Beijing's push to shape global AI governance. The most consequential announcement was the formal establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), headquartered in Shanghai, with 29 founding member countries primarily from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. WAICO represents China's shift from articulating AI governance principles to building permanent institutions to operationalize them. Xi framed the organization as a response to the Global South's call, though analysts warn it risks enshrining digital authoritarian approaches. China pledged 5000 AI training opportunities for developing countries over five years and will establish AI cooperation centers with ASEAN, the African Union, and other regional blocs. The article notes that WAICO's influence may extend beyond its direct membership by normalizing China's preferred AI governance approaches at other international forums.