China has taken a major step toward shaping global AI governance by securing the signatures of 29 countries to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) during the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. According to The Next Web, WAICO is designed as an independent intergovernmental organization focused on promoting international cooperation, AI governance, technology sharing, and capacity building. China presents the initiative as a platform to ensure that AI development is safe, inclusive, and accessible, particularly for developing nations.
The organization reflects China's broader vision for global AI governance. President Xi Jinping emphasized that AI should be treated as a global public good and warned against technological monopolies that could widen the digital divide. China pledged to expand AI cooperation through training programs, technical assistance, and partnerships with countries across ASEAN, BRICS, Africa, and Latin America, positioning itself as an alternative leader in international AI governance.
The article notes that WAICO represents a different governance philosophy from many Western-led AI initiatives. While Europe and the United States have generally emphasized AI safety, regulation, human rights, and national security, China's proposal places stronger emphasis on technology access, economic development, digital sovereignty, and international collaboration. The new organization is expected to develop AI standards, encourage cross-border cooperation, and help member countries build AI capabilities through shared expertise and infrastructure.
The article concludes that WAICO is more than a diplomatic initiative—it is a strategic effort to influence the future rules governing artificial intelligence. As AI becomes central to economic competitiveness and geopolitical influence, China is seeking to build an international coalition around its vision of AI development. The establishment of WAICO highlights the emergence of competing global approaches to AI governance, with China and Western nations increasingly promoting different models for regulating, deploying, and sharing advanced AI technologies.
