World AI Conference 2026: China Unveils Global AI Body in Shanghai
The World AI Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance for 2026 concluded today in Shanghai. This four-day event was marked by significant announcements, reflecting China’s escalating ambition to spearhead global AI governance. Chinese President Xi Jinping gave his inaugural speech at the annual event, emphasizing that AI development should be “a symphony of global cooperation, not a solo performance by any single country.”
The most significant revelation of the conference was the official inauguration of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). This intergovernmental body, with its headquarters in Shanghai, consists of 29 founding member states, including Russia, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan. WAICO’s mission is to foster equitable AI governance and bridge the global digital divide.
President Xi committed that China would offer 5,000 AI training opportunities to developing nations over the next five years. He also announced plans to establish AI cooperation centers with ASEAN, the African Union, the Arab League, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Furthermore, China will grant 30 nations access to its AI-powered meteorological early warning system, MAZU.
The conference attracted over 1,100 exhibiting companies and 1,400 international guests. Tech giant Huawei made a notable presence by showcasing its Atlas 950 SuperPoD domestic AI computing system. Analysts have interpreted the conference as a strategic counter-narrative to US-led export controls on advanced chips to China.
Source: NPR – China’s Xi calls for step up of global effort in AI (July 17, 2026)