China Proposes “World AI Cooperation Organization” at WAIC 2025

Shanghai, July 28, 2025 – At the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, the Chinese government announced an initiative to establish a new international body called the “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization,” with its headquarters provisionally planned for Shanghai  . The proposal, unveiled during the conference’s opening on July 26, aims to bolster global collaboration in AI and reflects Beijing’s push for an open, inclusive and multilateral approach to AI governance.

Background & Context

The 2025 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance opened in Shanghai on July 26, 2025 . The three-day event – themed “Global Solidarity in the AI Era” – attracted over 1,000 representatives from more than 40 countries and international organizations , including industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers. In his keynote address, Chinese Premier Li Qiang highlighted that while AI is emerging as a “new growth engine” for the economy, its governance remains fragmented across nations. He emphasized the urgent need for countries to coordinate policies and standards to form a widely accepted global AI governance framework that balances innovation and safety. “No matter how technology evolves, it should be under human control and developed for the good of all as an international public product,” Li said, underscoring that AI’s future must be guided toward benefiting humanity . This set the stage for China’s proposal of a new global AI cooperation mechanism.

China’s Proposal at WAIC 2025

On July 26, during WAIC’s high-level global AI governance forum in Shanghai, China officially proposed the creation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization . According to state media, the initiative is a concrete step in China’s efforts to uphold multilateralism and a response to calls from the Global South for greater inclusivity in tech governance . The Chinese government described the envisioned organization as an “important international public good” intended to strengthen international cooperation in the AI field .

Shanghai is slated to host the new organization’s headquarters, leveraging the city’s status as a national AI innovation hub . “China, especially Shanghai, has a first-mover advantage in AI,” officials noted, saying this would help gather global resources and expertise. By basing the organization in Shanghai, Beijing hopes to forge international consensus and promote practical cooperation, so that AI’s “infinite potential” can be fully realized to benefit all humankind .

Chinese authorities cast the proposal as a major contribution to global AI governance. It is in line with China’s broader approach of “consultation, co-construction, and sharing,” meaning all participants would have an equal say . “We warmly welcome all countries that are sincere and willing to join the preparatory work”, the Chinese government announced, explicitly inviting nations around the world to participate in shaping the new organization .

Mission and Core Objectives

Beijing outlined an initial mission and vision for the World AI Cooperation Organization, centered on three primary objectives : • Deepening Innovation Collaboration: The organization will serve as a global platform for AI cooperation, linking supply and demand across countries and removing barriers to the flow of talent, data, and technologies. By sharing the opportunities of China’s own AI-driven development, it aims to facilitate pragmatic partnerships between nations and unlock AI’s benefits for common development and prosperity . • Promoting Inclusive Development: A key goal is to bridge the “digital and intelligent divide” by helping developing countries build AI capacity . Through this organization, China vows to continue implementing international initiatives – such as the UN-endorsed AI capacity-building programs – to ensure Global South nations can equally benefit from the AI revolution. This includes nurturing local AI innovation ecosystems and supporting the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, so that AI’s gains are broadly shared and no country is left behind . • Enhancing Coordinated Governance: The organization seeks to foster alignment of AI strategies, governance rules, and technical standards among nations . By respecting each country’s policy choices yet finding common ground, it would work toward gradually forming a global AI governance framework and set of norms with broad international consensus . The ultimate aim is to ensure AI always progresses in line with humanity’s values and welfare, steering the technology firmly toward “AI for good” and preventing misuse.

Chinese officials stress that this initiative complements existing international efforts rather than replacing them. They note that the new body would adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter and support the UN’s role as the “main channel” for AI governance . In fact, Beijing positions the proposed organization as a “useful supplement” to the UN and other current mechanisms, one that can further build global consensus and cooperation on AI . Respect for national sovereignty and equality is emphasized – each member could pursue AI development in line with its own circumstances  – and the organization is envisioned as open and inclusive, embodying what China calls “true multilateralism” in the AI arena .

Global Reactions and Potential Impact

China’s announcement of a World AI Cooperation Organization has drawn significant international attention, coming at a time of intensifying global competition in artificial intelligence. Observers say the move demonstrates Beijing’s ambition to take a leading role in shaping global AI rules. Japan’s Asahi Shimbun noted that as rivalry in the AI sector heats up, China appears eager to assert itself in setting international AI regulations . A report in Spain’s La República highlighted that the initiative showcases China’s commitment to multilateralism and global governance reform, adding that it addresses developing countries’ needs by helping to narrow the digital and knowledge divides and by promoting AI that is “beneficial and inclusive” for all .

The proposal also underscores Shanghai’s rising profile as a global tech hub. Hosting the organization’s HQ would reinforce Shanghai’s position at the forefront of AI innovation and governance discussions. Local officials see it as an opportunity for the city to contribute “Shanghai’s wisdom” to worldwide AI development, aligning with China’s drive to offer more Chinese solutions in international tech governance .

Internationally, China’s bid comes amid broader debates over how to govern AI – and who gets to lead. Just days before WAIC, the United States unveiled its own AI strategy, with the U.S. President reportedly outlining a blueprint on July 23 aimed at expanding AI exports and alliances to maintain America’s edge in this critical technology field . Analysts suggest that China’s new multilateral proposal serves as a contrasting approach. Rather than exclusive blocs, Beijing is positioning itself as a collaborative alternative in AI governance, one intended to prevent advanced AI technologies from becoming the “exclusive asset of only a few countries or companies” . A Bolivian news outlet, for instance, interpreted China’s initiative as aiming to ensure AI is not dominated by a small handful, but shared globally .

Experts note that the duel for influence in AI governance reflects the broader U.S.-China tech rivalry. “China clearly wants to stick to multilateralism, while the U.S. is building its own camp, largely targeting China’s rise in AI,” Chen Shu, a partner at the Asia Group consulting firm, told CNBC in an analysis of the WAIC outcomes . Despite facing export controls on advanced AI chips and other curbs from Washington, China has continued to make breakthroughs in AI – a fact closely watched by U.S. officials . By spearheading a new international AI collaboration framework, China is signaling that it intends to “contribute more Chinese wisdom” to global AI governance and offer an alternative vision for the future of AI development .

Potential implications of a World AI Cooperation Organization are far-reaching. If realized, it could become a platform for developing common standards and norms in areas from data governance to AI ethics, bringing together not only governments but also companies, research institutions, and civil society. It may also amplify voices from emerging economies in setting the AI agenda, aligning with China’s narrative of serving the Global South. However, much will depend on how many countries sign on and how it interfaces with existing bodies like the UN or the OECD’s AI initiatives.

For now, China’s proposal remains at an early stage – details on the structure and launch timing of the organization have yet to be announced . The Chinese government has called on all interested parties to join talks on the plan’s “relevant arrangements”, and indicated that it will proceed in a spirit of openness and consensus-building . As the world grapples with the opportunities and risks of AI, Beijing’s gambit to create a new multilateral AI coalition will be a closely watched experiment in global tech governance. Its progress could test whether countries can find common ground on AI’s most pressing challenges – from regulations and safety to equitable development – or whether geopolitical tensions will complicate the path to a unified approach.