At the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Chinese Premier Li Qiang introduced a bold new proposal. On July 26, Li called for the creation of a “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization,” an international body that would coordinate AI development and regulation across nations. The proposed headquarters would be located in Shanghai, placing China at the center of global AI governance. While the Chinese government frames this initiative as a way to promote open and inclusive AI collaboration, critics argue it is another attempt by Beijing to shape the future of AI on its own terms.
The proposal was unveiled during the opening ceremony of WAIC 2025, a three-day event focused on global AI governance. Over 1,000 delegates from more than 40 countries attended, including government officials, researchers, and representatives from major technology companies. The event’s theme, “Global Solidarity in the AI Era,” set the stage for Li’s announcement.
In his speech, Premier Li declared that “overall global AI governance is still fragmented” and said there is a need to “strengthen coordination to form a global AI governance framework that has broad consensus.” He warned that without action, artificial intelligence risks becoming an “exclusive game” for a few powerful nations and companies. Li argued that “no matter how technology evolves, it should be under human control and developed for the good of all as an international public product.”
What China Says the Organization Will Do
According to Chinese state media, the new organization is intended to serve as a public good that will promote multilateralism, innovation, and global coordination. The Chinese government laid out three primary goals:
- Deepen Innovation Collaboration: The organization would remove barriers to the flow of talent, data, and technology, linking countries with AI needs to those with resources. Officials said, “China, especially Shanghai, has a first-mover advantage in AI,” and emphasized their ability to “gather global resources and expertise.”
- Promote Inclusive Development: China says it wants to bridge the digital and AI divide by helping developing countries build their own AI ecosystems. Li said Beijing would continue promoting initiatives like the United Nations-endorsed AI capacity-building programs to ensure that Global South countries are not left behind.
- Enhance Coordinated Governance: The proposed body would aim to harmonize national policies and technical standards, leading to a global framework for managing AI risks. China promised that each country would be respected in its policy choices, adding that governance must always aim to “benefit all humankind.”
China insists the new organization will not replace existing frameworks, such as those led by the United Nations. Instead, they claim it will be a “useful supplement,” operating in the spirit of “consultation, co-construction, and sharing.”
The Political Context: A Battle for Influence
The proposal comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump revealed a new AI strategy aimed at expanding American leadership in the field. The U.S. plan focuses on deregulation and increasing AI exports to allied countries. Premier Li did not mention the United States directly, but he criticized efforts that limit cooperation. “The risks and challenges brought by artificial intelligence have drawn widespread attention,” Li said. He listed challenges like “machine hallucinations, deep fakes and AI proliferation,” and said there is an urgent need for “further consensus from the entire society.”
Li also expressed concern that AI development could become concentrated among a few countries. He stated, “We should avoid AI becoming the exclusive asset of only a few countries or companies.” He added that China is ready to “share its development experience and products with other countries, particularly the Global South.”
China’s proposal has triggered a wide range of international responses. In Japan, Asahi Shimbun reported that Beijing is clearly aiming to take the lead in shaping global AI rules. Spanish newspaper La República described the plan as part of China’s effort to reform international governance and promote “AI that is beneficial and inclusive for all.”
Shanghai officials also celebrated the announcement as a major step for their city’s future. They said hosting the organization’s headquarters would allow them to offer “Shanghai’s wisdom” to the global community, highlighting the city’s status as a major AI innovation hub.
However, some observers are not convinced of China’s altruism. Critics argue that Beijing’s history of censorship, surveillance, and authoritarian control over technology raises serious concerns. A report by CNBC quoted Chen Shu, a partner at the Asia Group, who said, “China clearly wants to stick to multilateralism, while the U.S. is building its own camp, largely targeting China’s rise in AI.”
The proposal also comes at a time when China is facing growing pressure from Western countries. The U.S. has placed restrictions on the export of advanced AI chips to China, citing concerns about military applications and human rights abuses. Despite these obstacles, China continues to invest heavily in AI research and infrastructure. Its efforts are closely watched by American officials who fear losing their technological edge.
A Real Need, But the Wrong Leader?
There is little debate that global AI governance is needed. Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, and its risks are becoming more severe. Concerns include everything from job displacement and misinformation to data privacy and the potential loss of human control. As Li Qiang pointed out, “How to find a balance between development and security urgently requires further consensus.”
But no one wants to follow China, the few who do will be those who have no edge.
For now, the “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization” remains an idea. No formal structure or timeline has been announced, though China has invited countries to join the planning process. Officials say the initiative will be open to all nations and will proceed “in a spirit of openness and consensus-building.”
