Archive · 20 Jul 2026
China Proposes New AI Governance Body
China has proposed a new international body called WAICO to govern artificial intelligence (AI) globally.
This body aims to make AI developments and benefits accessible to all countries, especially those that lack resources.
China's proposal is seen as an alternative to Western AI governance frameworks, which focus more on ethics, safety, and responsibility.
China argues that these frameworks could be used to deny technology access to certain countries.
The proposal was announced at the World AI Conference in Shanghai, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and other global leaders.
WAICO is supported by 29 countries, including Pakistan and Russia.
China's approach emphasizes inclusivity and international cooperation, aiming to challenge the dominance of Western-led institutions in setting global rules for AI.
China proposed the World AI Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) to govern AI globally, ensuring accessibility for all countries.
WAICO aims to promote inclusivity and international cooperation in AI development and benefits.
The proposal was announced at the World AI Conference in Shanghai, attended by global leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping.
WAICO is supported by 29 countries, including Pakistan and Russia, and is seen as an alternative to Western AI governance frameworks.
China argues that Western frameworks, which emphasize ethics, safety, and responsibility, could be used to deny technology access to certain countries.
- Who
- Chinese President Xi Jinping, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and several heads of state
- What
- Proposal for a new international AI governance body, the World AI Cooperation Organisation (WAICO)
- When
- Announced at the 2023 World AI Conference (WAIC)
- Where
- Shanghai, China
- Why
- To ensure AI developments and benefits are accessible to all, including developing countries, and to promote international cooperation in AI governance
China's Inclusive AI Governance
Western AI Governance Frameworks
Inclusivity and Accessibility
China's Inclusive AI Governance
China's WAICO aims to ensure AI developments and benefits are accessible to all, including developing countries, emphasizing 'extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit.'
Western AI Governance Frameworks
Western frameworks heavily emphasize ethics, values, safety, and responsibility, which China argues could be used to deny technology access to certain countries.
National Security Concerns
China's Inclusive AI Governance
China advocates against 'overstretching' national security concerns in AI, promoting international cooperation and opposing the prioritization of one country's security over others.
Western AI Governance Frameworks
Western countries prioritize safety, ethics, and responsibility in AI governance, which China views as potentially restrictive and exclusionary.
- Event
- World AI Conference (WAIC)
- Location
- Shanghai, China
- Key Participants
- Chinese President Xi Jinping, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and several heads of state
- Proposed Institution
- World AI Cooperation Organisation (WAICO)
- Signatory Countries
- China and 29 other countries, including Pakistan and Russia
- Western AI Governance Focus
- Ethics, values, safety, and responsibility
- China's AI Governance Focus
- Inclusivity, accessibility, and international cooperation