TLDR: Chinese President Xi Jinping has formally proposed the establishment of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) during the APEC leaders’ meeting on November 1, 2025. The initiative aims to create global governance rules, foster international cooperation, and ensure AI serves as a ‘public good for the international community,’ with a tentative headquarters in Shanghai.
Gyeongju, South Korea – November 1, 2025 – In a significant move to shape the future of artificial intelligence governance, Chinese President Xi Jinping today championed the creation of a new global body, the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), during his address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting. This proposal, initially unveiled by Chinese Premier Li Qiang on July 26, 2025, at the World AI Conference in Shanghai, underscores China’s ambition to lead in defining international AI standards and cooperation.
President Xi articulated that WAICO’s primary objectives would be to establish universally accepted governance rules, enhance global cooperation in AI development, and ensure that artificial intelligence is treated as a ‘public good for the international community.’ This vision aims to prevent the monopolization of advanced AI technologies by a select few nations or corporations, promoting a more equitable distribution of AI’s benefits globally. Chinese officials have indicated that the commercial hub of Shanghai is the planned location for the organization’s tentative headquarters.
The proposal comes amidst intensifying technological competition and fragmented international efforts to manage the rapid advancements in AI. While China advocates for a multilateral, inclusive approach, the United States has reportedly been resistant to efforts to regulate AI within international bodies. Xi’s push at APEC positions China as a proactive architect of a new global technological order, offering an alternative to Western-centric regulatory models.
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Beyond AI, President Xi also urged APEC members to promote the ‘free circulation’ of green technologies, an area where China holds significant dominance in industries ranging from batteries to solar panels. He outlined a broader three-pillar agenda for regional cooperation, encompassing digital innovation, low-carbon growth, and inclusive development. The APEC meeting concluded with members approving a joint declaration and pacts specifically addressing AI and the challenges posed by ageing populations. China is set to host the 2026 APEC summit in Shenzhen, a major manufacturing hub known for its advancements in robotics and electric vehicle production.
