China Urges Global Unity on AI Governance at Shanghai Summit
China has issued a renewed call for international solidarity in building a fair and equitable global artificial intelligence governance system, as the fourth in a series of official commentaries from Xinhua News Agency urges nations to work together rather than compete in isolation. The commentary, published on July 21, follows the landmark 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, where 29 countries signed the agreement establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) — the world’s first intergovernmental body dedicated to AI governance.
A New Framework for Global AI Governance
The commentary, titled “Advocating Solidarity and Improving Global Governance,” is the fourth of five pieces published by Xinhua in conjunction with the WAIC and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, held in Shanghai from July 17 to 20. It builds on President Xi Jinping’s keynote address at the conference’s opening ceremony, where he presented four observations on AI development and governance.
According to English.www.gov.cn, Xi called for practicing “true multilateralism” and leveraging the United Nations’ role in coordinating AI development strategies, governance rules, and technical standards. “AI development should not be a solo performance by one country, but a symphony of global cooperation,” Xi told the assembled delegates.
The commentary emphasizes that “countries are riding in a great ship with a shared destiny,” warning that only through solidarity can the international community navigate the challenges posed by rapidly advancing AI technology.
WAICO: A China-Led Initiative Takes Shape
On July 16, the eve of the WAIC, 29 countries signed the agreement establishing WAICO, headquartered in Shanghai. As Global Times reported, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi signed on behalf of the Chinese government, alongside representatives from Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia, Indonesia, and other nations. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres attended the signing ceremony.
The founding members are predominantly from the Global South, including BRICS nations, ASEAN members, African countries, and Central Asian states. Notably, no Western developed nations — including the United States, European Union members, the United Kingdom, Japan, or South Korea — are among the founding members, a fact that analysts say signals a potential bifurcation of global AI governance.
As Al Jazeera noted, Beijing is positioning WAICO as a platform that champions the interests of developing nations, with Xi emphasizing the need to “help Global South countries with capacity building to bridge the AI and digital divides.”
Concrete Commitments and Capacity Building
The commentary highlights specific Chinese commitments announced at the conference, including plans to provide 5,000 AI training slots for developing countries over the next five years. China also pledged to establish international AI application cooperation centers with ASEAN, the Arab League, the African Union, CELAC, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS. Additionally, China will deploy its “Mazu” intelligent weather early warning system in 30 countries.
These commitments reflect a broader strategic push by Beijing to position itself as a leader in global AI governance. According to Wikipedia, WAICO is designed as an independent intergovernmental organization open to all sovereign states, with a focus on ensuring that AI is “beneficial, safe, and fair.”
Analysis: A Strategic Pivot on AI
China’s push for a new AI governance framework comes amid intensifying technological competition with the United States. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has described WAICO as part of a broader Chinese pivot on global AI, with Beijing seeking to shape AI policy discussions at the United Nations and beyond.
Indonesian digital expert Heru Sutadi, quoted by Majalah ICT, argued that “WAICO must be more than just an international organization discussing AI developments. It must be a platform that champions the interests of the Global South so that it is not left further behind in the artificial intelligence revolution.”
Xi’s four observations — covering openness and win-win cooperation, risk awareness, inclusiveness, and solidarity — map onto four global initiatives China has previously championed: the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative. This creates a coherent framework linking AI governance to China’s broader foreign policy vision.
What to Watch For
As WAICO begins its work, several questions remain. Will the organization develop enforceable governance mechanisms, or will it serve primarily as a forum for dialogue? Can it attract Western nations in the future, or will the current divide deepen? And perhaps most importantly, will China’s commitments to training and technology transfer meaningfully accelerate AI development in the Global South?
The fifth and final commentary in Xinhua’s series is expected in the coming days, potentially offering further clarity on China’s vision for the future of global AI governance. For now, the message from Shanghai is clear: in the race to govern artificial intelligence, China is positioning itself not as a solo performer, but as the conductor of a global symphony.