29 countries establish WAICO in Shanghai

On July 16, 2026, 29 countries signed an agreement in Shanghai to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), an independent intergovernmental international organization headquartered in Shanghai. The founding members include China, Russia, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Indonesia, Belarus, Serbia, Cuba, Venezuela, and others. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi signed on behalf of China, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres attended the ceremony. The organization aims to promote international cooperation and global governance in AI, ensuring beneficial, safe, and fair development. The signing took place on the eve of the annual World AI Conference, where Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to outline China's vision for global AI governance. The initiative is seen as a platform for developing countries outside Western frameworks like the EU's AI Act and G7 process, reflecting China's efforts to position itself as a leader in AI governance.