China has reiterated its commitment to working with the international community through the United Nations to shape the future of global artificial intelligence (AI) governance. Speaking at a briefing at UN headquarters, China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, said Beijing will promote international cooperation based on openness, open-source collaboration, mutual benefit, joint contribution, and shared development.
The briefing followed the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, held in Shanghai, where governments, international organizations, and industry representatives discussed the future of AI regulation and cooperation.
Shanghai Conference Focused on Inclusive AI Development
According to Fu Cong, the Shanghai conference was designed not only as a forum for dialogue but also as a platform to encourage the global exchange of AI innovation and promote technologies that benefit all nations.
He highlighted Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision for global AI governance, which emphasizes innovation, AI safety, human oversight, cultural cooperation, and stronger international governance frameworks.
Launch of World AI Cooperation Organization
A major outcome of the conference was the launch of the World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO), described as the world’s first intergovernmental organization dedicated exclusively to artificial intelligence.
Representatives from 29 countries signed the organization’s founding convention, while China invited additional nations to join in future cooperation.
China said WAICO will work alongside the United Nations by supporting AI capacity building, policy coordination, technical cooperation, and practical AI applications.
UN Officials Stress Global Cooperation
UN Technology Envoy Amandeep Gill welcomed the conference, calling it an important step toward strengthening international AI capacity-building efforts. He emphasized that the United Nations should remain the central and inclusive platform for global AI governance while encouraging cooperation between multiple international initiatives.
Developing Nations Seek Greater AI Access
Representatives from developing countries, including Zambia and Pakistan, stressed the need for improved access to computing infrastructure, AI models, technical expertise, and international standards.
They said developing economies require not only access to finished AI products but also the computing power, datasets, and technical support needed to build their own AI capabilities.
Balancing Innovation and Regulation
Fu Cong also noted that governments must strike a balance between encouraging AI innovation and managing potential risks. He warned that excessive regulation could slow technological progress, while insufficient oversight could expose societies to the risks associated with rapidly advancing AI systems.
