China Launches World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, Offering AI Training to Global South

China has formally launched the “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization” (WIKO) in Shanghai, an initiative accompanied by an offer of 5,000 AI training slots for countries in the Global South over the next five years. This move, announced by President Xi Jinping at the World AI Conference, marks a significant step in China’s strategy to establish a parallel AI governance framework distinct from Western-led models.

WIKO, first proposed in 2025, sees its headquarters in Shanghai. Founding members include a diverse group of 29 nations, notably Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Pakistan, and Indonesia, indicating a strategic alignment with BRICS and other regional blocs. Notably, no Western countries participated in its establishment.

A Parallel AI Governance Structure

This development is seen as China’s clearest move yet to build an AI governance structure that operates independently of Western influence. The plan includes establishing cooperation centers with key regional alliances such as ASEAN, the African Union, and BRICS. This systematic approach aims to integrate AI development and policy across a broad network of developing nations.

President Xi Jinping also used the platform to advocate for AI to remain under human control, a recurring theme in global AI ethics discussions. He subtly criticized “overly broad national security justifications” in AI policy, a veiled reference to US export controls on AI chips and technology, which have significantly impacted China’s technological advancement.

Economic and Strategic Implications

China’s “Smart Economy,” encompassing AI and other digital technologies, has now surpassed a value of one trillion renminbi, approximately $140 billion. This economic benchmark underscores the strategic importance China places on AI as a driver of national economic growth and international influence. The establishment of WIKO and the training initiatives are integral to extending this influence globally, particularly within the Global South.

For India, a prominent member of the Global South and a rapidly expanding AI hub, these developments present both opportunities and considerations. As India pursues its own ambitious AI initiatives, including the IndiaAI Mission, the emergence of a new multilateral AI cooperation body led by China could influence regional AI partnerships and the broader landscape of AI governance. India’s strategic choices regarding participation or collaboration with such organizations will be crucial for its AI trajectory.

Key facts

Feature	Detail
Organization Name	World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WIKO)
Headquarters	Shanghai, China
Founding Members	29 nations, including Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Pakistan, Indonesia
Training Initiative	5,000 AI training slots for Global South over five years

This initiative matters for Coruja readers in India because it highlights a significant shift in global AI geopolitics. As India actively develops its AI capabilities and seeks international collaborations, understanding the emergence of parallel AI governance structures like WIKO is crucial. These developments could shape future opportunities for AI skill development, research partnerships, and policy alignment within the Global South, directly impacting India’s position in the evolving global AI landscape.

Source: The Decoder, https://the-decoder.com/chinas-new-world-artificial-intelligence-cooperation-organization-is-president-xis-clearest-play-yet-for-a-parallel-ai-order/