China Proposes “World AI Cooperation Organization” at WAIC 2025

Shanghai, 28 July 2025 – The Chinese government announced a plan to create a new international organization called the “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization” with its headquarters planned for Shanghai. The proposal, announced at the opening of the conference on July 26, is intended to boost global collaboration in AI. It reflects Beijing’s push towards an open, inclusive, and multilateral approach for AI governance.

Background & Context

The 2025 World AI Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance will open in Shanghai on the 26th of July 2025. The three-day event, themed “Global Solidarity in the AI Era”attracted more than 1,000 representatives from over 40 countries, international organizations, industry leaders, researchers and policymakers. In his keynote speech, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized that while AI is emerging a ‘new growth engine’ for the economy, it remains fragmented among nations. He stressed the urgent need for countries and organizations to coordinate policies and standards in order to create a global AI governance framework which balances safety and innovation. Li stressed that no matter how technology advances, it must remain under human control, and be developed for the benefit of all as a public product. This paved the way for China’s proposal to create a global AI cooperation mechanism.

China’s Proposal for WAIC 2025

China officially proposed to create the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization on July 26 at WAIC’s high level global AI governance forum held in Shanghai. According to the state media, this initiative is a concrete move in China’s efforts at upholding multilateralism as well as a response to the Global South’s calls for greater inclusivity in technology governance. The Chinese government described this organization as “an important international public good” that aims to strengthen international collaboration in the AI field.

Shanghai will host the new organization’s headquarters, taking advantage of the city’s national AI innovation hub status. Officials noted that “China, and especially Shanghai, have a first-mover edge in AI”which would help gather global expertise and resources. Beijing hopes that by locating the organization in Shanghai it will forge international consensus, promote practical cooperation and help realize AI’s “infinite” potential.

Chinese authorities hailed the proposal as an important contribution to global AI governance. This proposal is in line China’s broader “consultation, collaboration, and sharing” approach, which means all participants will have an equal voice. The Chinese government said, “We warmly invite all countries who are sincere and willing join the preparatory works”explicitly inviting nations from around the world to take part in shaping the new organisation.

Mission and Core Objectives

Beijing has outlined a mission and vision for World AI Cooperation Organization centered around three primary objectives:* Deepening innovation collaboration: The organization will act as a global platform to facilitate AI cooperation by linking supply and demand between countries and removing obstacles to the flow talent, data and technologies. By sharing China’s AI-driven growth, the organization aims to facilitate partnerships between nations in order to unlock AI’s potential for common prosperity and development.* Promoting Inclusive development: A key objective is to bridge the “digital and intelligence divide” by helping developing countries develop AI capacity. China pledges to implement international initiatives, such as UN-endorsed AI-capacity-building programs, through this organization to ensure Global South nations benefit equally from the AI revolution. This includes supporting local AI innovation eco-systems and the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda to ensure AI’s benefits are widely shared and that no country is left out.* Enhancing Coordinated Government: The organization aims to encourage alignment of AI strategies, governance regulations, and technical standards between nations. It would gradually form a global AI governance and set of standards with broad international consensus by respecting each country’s policies choices while finding common ground. The ultimate goal is to ensure AI progresses in accordance with human values and welfare. This will steer the technology firmly towards “AI for good”and prevent misuse.

Chinese officials emphasize that this initiative complements existing efforts and does not replace them. They point out that the new organization would adhere to the United Nations Charter, and support the UN as the “main channel” of AI governance. Beijing sees the proposed organization as “useful complement” to the UN, and other existing mechanisms, which can further build global cooperation and consensus on AI. The organization emphasizes respect for national sovereignty and equality – each member can pursue AI development according to its own circumstances.

Global Reactions & Potential Impact

China’s announcement to create a World AI Cooperation Organization attracted significant international attention. This announcement comes as global competition in artificial intelligent is intensifying. Observers claim that the move shows Beijing’s ambition to play a leading role when it comes to shaping global AI regulations. As the AI sector becomes more competitive, Asahi’s Shimbun in Japan noted that China is eager to assert itself by setting international AI rules. La Republica in Spain reported that the initiative demonstrates China’s commitment towards multilateralism, global governance reform and addressing developing countries’ needs.

The proposal also highlights Shanghai’s growing profile as a global technology hub. Shanghai’s position as a global tech hub would be strengthened by hosting the organization’s headquarters. Local officials see this as an opportunity to contribute “Shanghai wisdom” to global AI development. This aligns with China’s drive for more Chinese solutions to international tech governance.

China’s bid is part of a wider debate about how AI should be governed and who should lead. The United States released its own AI strategy just days before WAIC. On July 23, the U.S. president reportedly outlined a blueprint aimed at increasing AI exports and forming alliances in order to maintain America’s advantage in this critical technology area. Analysts say that China’s multilateral proposal is a contrast to the United States. Beijing positions itself as an alternative to exclusive blocs in AI governance. It wants to prevent advanced AI technology from becoming “exclusively owned by a few companies or countries”. Bolivian media, for example, interpreted China’s initiative to mean that AI will not be dominated by just a few countries or companies, but rather shared globally.

Experts say that the battle for influence in AI governance is a reflection of the wider U.S. and China tech rivalry. “China clearly wants multilateralism while the U.S. builds its own camp, largely focusing on China’s rise to AI,” Chen Shu said in an analysis by CNBC of the WAIC results. U.S. officials are closely watching China’s AI breakthroughs despite Washington’s export controls and other curbs on advanced AI chips. China’s initiative to create a new international AI cooperation framework signals its intention to “contribute Chinese wisdom” to global AI governance, and offer a different vision for the future.

The potential implications of a World AI Cooperation Organization could be far-reaching. If it is realized, the World AI Cooperation Organization could become a platform to develop common standards and guidelines in areas such as data governance and AI ethics. It would bring together governments, companies, research institutions and civil society. It could also help to amplify voices from emerging economies when setting the AI agenda. This would align with China’s narrative that it serves the Global South. It will be important to see how many countries sign up and how they integrate with existing bodies such as the UN or OECD AI initiatives.

China’s proposal is still in its early stages. Details on the structure and timing of the organization are yet to be revealed. The Chinese government has invited all interested parties to participate in discussions on the plan’s’relevant arrangements’ and has indicated that it will proceed with an openness and consensus-building spirit. Beijing’s move to create a multilateral AI alliance will be closely watched as the world grapples both with the benefits and risks of AI. Its progress will test whether countries are able to find common ground in addressing AI’s most pressing issues, from safety and regulations to equitable development.