China launches WAICO AI alliance of 29 nations

Chinese President Xi Jinping used his speech at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai to call for multilateral cooperation on artificial intelligence and to warn against any single country dominating the technology. He highlighted the "historic opportunity" of open-source AI and urged a "people-centred" approach that keeps AI under human control through regulations and monitoring systems.

The announcement introduced the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), an inter-governmental body founded on July 16 and headquartered in Shanghai. The alliance counts 29 founding members, including Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia, South Africa, Senegal, Russia and Pakistan, and aims to develop shared AI standards and safety guidelines.

Analysts say Beijing may use WAICO to influence AI policy discussions at the United Nations and to advance a governance model that aligns with Chinese interests, particularly among Global South partners. The move comes amid ongoing tensions with the United States over semiconductor exports, technology restrictions and competition for AI leadership.

"AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation," Xi said.

"We should jointly oppose overstretching the national security concept in the field of AI or placing one country’s security over that of others," he added.

Experts note that while the United States retains an edge in cutting-edge semiconductors, China leads in data-center capacity, rare-earth mineral production and electricity generation, factors that support its growing AI capabilities.