China formally establishes World AI Cooperation Organization with 29 founding members, mostly developing nations

Published Jul 20, 04:30 PM UTC

On July 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, emphasizing 'true multilateralism.' The day prior, China formally established the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), headquartered in Shanghai, with 29 founding members primarily from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and select allies like Russia and Brazil. WAICO represents China's most ambitious effort to institutionalize its AI governance principles globally, shifting from rhetoric to permanent structures. Xi announced 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries over five years and AI cooperation centers with ASEAN, the African Union, and other blocs. The article warns that WAICO risks normalizing digital authoritarian approaches to AI governance by embedding Chinese technologies, standards, and regulatory approaches through training, technical standards, and networks, potentially undermining Western-led norms.