WAIC 2025: China Proposes Global AI Cooperation Body to Lead Inclusive Innovation
At the WAIC 2025 (World Artificial Intelligence Conference) in Shanghai, China proposed a new global organization to support international cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI). The proposal wants to make China a major player in global AI governance, which would balance out U.S.-led efforts.
During the three-day event, Premier Li Qiang spoke to delegations from all across the world. He said that there is an urgent need for a single, all-encompassing platform for AI advancement and regulation. Li didn’t name the US specifically, but he did say that AI should not become “the exclusive domain” of a small number of countries and businesses. His comments echoed worries about Washington’s limits on sending advanced AI processors and other technologies to China..
China’s proposal highlights the need for fair access to AI advancements, especially for countries in the Global South. According to Li Qiang, China is ready to share its AI technologies and development experience. He encouraged equal participation by all nations and companies in the global AI ecosystem.
“AI should benefit all humanity,” Li said. “We support open cooperation where every nation and business can take part, grow, and apply AI.”
During the three-day event, Premier Li Qiang talked to groups from all around the world. He claimed that there is an urgent need for a single, all-encompassing platform for AI advancement and regulation. Li didn’t cite the US by name, but he did warn that AI shouldn’t be “the exclusive domain” of a few countries and enterprises. His comments echoed concerns about Washington’s restrictions on exporting advanced AI chips and other technologies to China.
Shanghai as a Global AI Hub
According to Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, China is thinking of making Shanghai the headquarters for the proposed group. He stressed during a high-level roundtable that the program will encourage countries to work together and come up with new ideas.
A lot of people from across the world were interested in the talks, since more than 30 countries, including Germany, Russia, South Korea, and Qatar, took part.
Global Participation at WAIC 2025
WAIC 2025 drew participation from more than 800 companies. The exhibition featured over 3,000 new technologies, 40 large language models, 50 AI devices, and 60 intelligent robots. Major Chinese firms like Huawei and Alibaba led the showcase, along with global giants such as Tesla, Amazon, and Alphabet.
Although Elon Musk did not speak this year, other high-profile guests included AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt..
