China Proposes World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, Shanghai as Potential Headquarters
The Chinese government, through Premier Li Qiang, officially proposed the establishment of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) at the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-level Conference on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence held in Shanghai. The proposal tentatively considers Shanghai as the organization's headquarters. This initiative underscores China's ambition to play a leading role in shaping global AI governance and fostering inclusive development.
Key Aspects of the Initiative:
Motivation and Goals:
Bridging Digital and Intelligence Divides: A primary objective is to address the disparities in AI development and access, particularly for countries in the "Global South" (developing nations). China aims to share its AI development expertise and technological products to ensure more equitable benefits from AI.
Harmonizing Global AI Governance: Recognizing the current fragmentation in global AI governance, with differing regulatory concepts and rules across nations, the proposed WAICO seeks to enhance coordination and alignment of development strategies, governance rules, and technical standards. The goal is to establish a global framework and international standards for AI governance based on broad consensus.
Balancing Development and Security: The proposal acknowledges the inherent risks of AI, such as "machine hallucinations," deepfakes, and uncontrolled AI proliferation. It emphasizes the urgent need for a global societal consensus on achieving a balance between fostering AI innovation and ensuring its secure and ethical deployment.
Promoting Multilateralism and Shared Benefits: The initiative is presented as a commitment to multilateralism, fostering a model of global governance characterized by extensive consultation, joint contributions, and shared benefits.
Fostering Innovation and Collaboration: WAICO is envisioned as a platform for countries to deepen cooperation on AI innovation, promote pragmatic collaboration to fully unleash AI's potential, and achieve common development and prosperity.
Treating AI as an International Public Good: China considers AI an international public product that should ultimately benefit all of humanity.
Key Themes and Principles:
Open Access to AI Advancements: Premier Li Qiang emphasized the necessity of expanding open access to AI advancements, ensuring that every country and enterprise has equal rights to participate and benefit.
Enhanced International Cooperation: The proposal calls for increased international collaboration in AI research and talent exchange.
Unified Global Framework: The core aim is to construct a unified global framework for governing AI technology.
Human Control and Ethical Use: Li Qiang underscored that "no matter how science and technology change, it should be used and controlled by humans and developed in the direction of good and inclusiveness."
"Chinese Wisdom" and Solutions: China intends to contribute "more Chinese solutions" and "Chinese wisdom" to global AI governance. This builds upon previous significant initiatives such as the Global AI Governance Initiative (2023), which advocated for a people-centered approach to AI development and called for an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment. It also follows the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All (2024), which aimed to bridge the AI and digital divides and ensure developing countries benefit equitably from AI.
Shanghai as Potential Headquarters:
The tentative consideration of Shanghai as the headquarters aims to leverage China's, and particularly Shanghai's, advanced AI development ecosystem to boost international cooperation and build consensus on AI governance. Shanghai hosts the annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference, drawing over 1,000 delegates from governments, academia, and industry in 2025.
Broader Context:
This proposal is viewed as a strategic move by China to play a central role in shaping the future of global AI governance, potentially positioning itself as a counterbalance to the United States in the escalating global race for AI dominance. It contrasts with some recent US approaches, which have included aggressive deregulation of the AI sector and warnings about certain AI applications. The initiative clearly demonstrates China's ambition to be a significant voice in establishing global norms and collaborations for the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
