03/12/2025
At the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in October, President Xi Jinping renewed a bold proposal: the creation of a new international body called the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).
The Vision:
WAICO would bring countries together under a unified system for AI governance, with Shanghai proposed as its headquarters. The idea is to set global standards for how artificial intelligence is developed, deployed, and regulated.
đ¨đł Chinaâs Track Record:
- One of the earliest nations to roll out AI-specific regulations (starting in 2022).
- Rules already cover harmful content, privacy protections, and strict data-security standards.
- This positions China as a frontrunner in shaping how AI is controlled worldwide.
đşđ¸ Meanwhile in the United States:
- Still no federal-level AI law.
- An existing executive order on AI safety was revoked in January 2025.
- The U.S. risks falling behind in setting the rules of the game.
đ Global Context:
Right now, the Council of Europeâs Framework Convention on AI, introduced in May 2024, is the only legally binding international AI regulation. But Chinaâs WAICO proposal signals a push to dominate the conversation and create a new global standard.
⥠Why This Matters:
AI is not just about technologyâitâs about power, resources, and influence. Whoever sets the rules will shape the future of economies, security, and even freedom of expression.