China has launched a new international organization for artificial intelligence governance, called WAICO, at the 2026 World AI Conference. The move is part of Beijing's broader push to position itself against US dominance in the AI sector.
What WAICO stands for
WAICO — short for World AI Cooperation Organization — is designed to promote open-source AI governance standards. The initiative specifically targets the Global South, aiming to offer an alternative framework to the one led by the United States and its allies.
Why the Global South matters
By focusing on developing nations, China is seeking to build a coalition of countries that may feel sidelined by Western-led AI rules. Open-source standards could lower barriers for these countries, giving them access to AI tools without the licensing costs or proprietary restrictions common in US-dominated ecosystems.
Beijing's strategic play
President Xi Jinping has made AI governance a pillar of China's tech diplomacy. The launch of WAICO at the 2026 World AI Conference signals that Beijing is not just competing on hardware and algorithms but also on the rules that will shape the global AI landscape. The organization's emphasis on openness contrasts with the more closed, security-focused approach taken by Washington in recent years.
WAICO's formation comes as the US and China continue to spar over chip exports, data flows, and AI safety standards. Whether WAICO can attract significant membership from the Global South remains an open question. The conference is ongoing, and no member countries have been announced yet.
