China pitches AI governance model for Global South, launches WAICO

📌 Summary:

• On July 17, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled a new initiative on global AI governance pitched largely at the Global South and developing countries
• China, along with 29 other countries mostly from Asia, Africa and Latin America, has established the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), headquartered in Shanghai
• Xi framed AI as needing "a symphony of global collaboration" rather than a "solo performance", positioning China as a leader for developing nations in AI norms-setting
• Strategic significance: an attempt to counter U.S./Western dominance in AI governance and to shape global rules favourable to China, expanding its tech diplomacy and Global South leadership
• Implications for India: raises the question of India's own strategy in multilateral AI governance (India hosted the AI Impact Summit / is active in GPAI) and whether to join or counter such China-led blocs