Xi Jinping Spearheads 29-Nation AI Alliance, Challenging U.S. Supremacy
Chinese President Xi Jinping made a significant geopolitical stride in the global AI competition on Friday, July 17. He delivered a keynote address at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, marking the official inauguration of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). This new intergovernmental body consists of 29 founding member nations.
With its headquarters in Shanghai, WAICO’s members encompass major Global South nations such as Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia, South Africa, Russia, and Pakistan. The organization was formally established on July 16, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres present, indicating the body’s aspiration to influence global AI governance at the highest echelons.
In his address, Xi advocated for international AI collaboration, committing to offer developing nations with 5,000 AI training opportunities over the next five years. He also announced plans to set up international AI application cooperation centers across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Huawei seized the opportunity at the WAIC to unveil its Atlas 950 SuperPoD supernode, a potent new chip cluster intended for large-scale AI model training.
Analysts perceive WAICO as China’s direct response to the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative — a framework that unites Washington’s allies on AI supply chains. They caution that Beijing plans to leverage its expanding coalition to shape how AI policy is formulated at the United Nations. As Washington withdraws from global AI norm-setting, China is positioning itself as the advocate of an alternative, open-source-friendly global AI order.
Sources: Al Jazeera | Fortune | CNBC