SHANGHAI — China has stepped up its campaign to shape global rules for artificial intelligence by promoting a newly established international AI governance organization and calling for broader participation from developing countries, positioning Beijing as a leading voice in the rapidly evolving field.
Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, President Xi Jinping said China supported the creation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), describing it as a platform to strengthen international coordination on AI development, governance and technical standards. Chinese officials said 29 countries had joined the organization as founding members.
Xi said AI should remain "people-centered" and urged governments to expand cooperation under the framework of the United Nations. He also warned against unequal access to advanced AI technologies, saying developing countries should not be left behind as the technology advances.
The announcement comes as governments around the world race to establish international rules for AI amid growing competition over advanced chips, computing infrastructure and frontier AI models. China has increasingly promoted multilateral AI initiatives while criticizing export restrictions and technology controls imposed by the United States and some allies, arguing such measures fragment global technological cooperation.
Chinese authorities also released an international AI ethics governance action plan during the conference. The document calls for cooperation on AI safety, lifecycle governance, risk management, privacy protection and technical standards while emphasizing collaboration with developing countries and alignment with the United Nations' Global Digital Compact.
According to Chinese officials, Beijing plans to expand AI cooperation with regional organizations including ASEAN, the African Union and BRICS members, while offering training programs and technology-sharing initiatives intended to strengthen AI capacity in emerging economies.
China's proposals come amid competing visions for global AI governance. Some Western policymakers and technology leaders have advocated alternative international oversight mechanisms focused on frontier AI safety, reflecting broader geopolitical differences over regulation, security and access to advanced technologies.
The World Artificial Intelligence Conference, which concludes on July 20, has brought together government officials, technology executives and researchers from more than 100 countries and international organizations to discuss AI development, safety and governance, according to conference organizers.
