'Not A Solo Performance': China Launches Global AI Alliance As AI Race With US Intensifies
'Not A Solo Performance': China Launches Global AI Alliance As AI Race With US Intensifies Published By, Last Updated: July 17, 2026, 22:05 IST At
'Not A Solo Performance': China Launches Global AI Alliance As AI Race With US Intensifies Published By, Last Updated: July 17, 2026, 22:05 IST At a Shanghai summit, Xi pitched for global AI cooperation while unveiling a 29-nation bloc—signalling a deeper strategic push to shape the future of tech governance. Rapid Read China has launched a global AI conference. (Image source: Reuters) What looked like a routine artificial intelligence summit in Shanghai carried a sharp geopolitical edge, when Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Friday, announced the formation of 29-nation bloc for pushing AI development – World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation. The messaging went far beyond technology and into global power. Xi Jinping used the platform to call for cooperation in artificial intelligence. He warned that no single country should dominate the technology, as reported by Al Jazeera. The remarks were could be seen as a veiled swipe at the United States. Washington and China are locked in an intensifying race for AI leadership. Xi was speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference. China used the event to showcase cutting-edge systems that rival global leaders.
The summit highlighted how AI is no longer just about innovation. It is now deeply tied to influence, security and economic power. Geopolitical Intentions As Chinese AI models gain traction worldwide, Beijing is repositioning itself. It wants to be seen as a leader shaping the next phase of global AI rules. At the centre of this push is a new coalition. It is to that end that, China has announced the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation with 29 founding members. The announcement came at a high-level gathering. Antonio Guterres was among those present. Xi described AI as a “historic opportunity" for all nations. He urged countries to embrace open-source development and shared growth. He also stressed the need for fairness. China, he said, is helping developing nations build AI capacity to avoid new global inequalities. “AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country," Xi said. He said it should be a “symphony of international cooperation." He warned against expanding national security concerns in AI. Such moves, he suggested, could limit collaboration and trust. Xi also pushed for a “people-centred" approach.
He said AI must always remain under human control. He pointed to safeguards like regulation, monitoring systems and early warning tools. Emergency response frameworks, he added, are equally important. All That Led To WAICO’s Formation WAICO was formally set up only now. However, China has been promoting the idea of a global AI alliance for over a year. The organisation is headquartered in Shanghai. Its members include Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia, South Africa, Senegal, Russia and Pakistan. Its stated goal is to promote cooperation and common standards. It also aims to ensure AI remains safe and beneficial. Analysts believe the move has a larger strategy. Beijing could use WAICO to shape global AI rules at forums like the United Nations. The timing is significant. The global AI race is accelerating, and regulatory frameworks are still evolving. China’s pitch combines cooperation with influence. It signals an effort to lead not just in technology, but in how the world governs it. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered How will WAICO challenge US dominance in AI?
The BriefWire