Xi Jinping launches WAICO at WAIC 2026
Analysis based on 315 articles · First reported Jul 08, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026
The event signals China's ambition to shape global AI governance and standards, potentially creating an alternative ecosystem to US-led initiatives. Chinese AI companies and open-source models may gain increased adoption in developing countries, boosting their market positions while challenging US tech dominance.
The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance was held in Shanghai from July 17-20, 2026. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech calling for global cooperation on AI, opposing dominance by any single country, and emphasizing human control over AI. He announced the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), an intergovernmental body headquartered in Shanghai, with 29 founding member countries including China, Russia, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Xi pledged 5,000 AI training opportunities for developing countries over five years, development of AI cooperation centers with ASEAN, Arab League, African Union, CELAC, SCO, and BRICS, and providing 30 countries access to the MAZU meteorological AI system. The conference featured over 1,100 exhibitors, including Huawei's Atlas 950 SuperPoD, Moonshot AI's Kimi K3 model, and various AI-powered products from companies like Shanghai Electric, KEENON Robotics, Ping An Insurance, Emdoor, and China Southern Power Grid. Xi also held bilateral meetings with Kazakh President Tokayev, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and UN Secretary-General Guterres, reiterating support for the UN and discussing AI governance.
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