Lead

Chinese President Xi Jinping used the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai to call for global cooperation in the development of artificial intelligence, warning that the technology should not become a “solo performance” by any single country. His remarks came as China unveiled a new 29-nation coalition aimed at promoting international AI governance.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, South China Morning Post, and The Hindu all centre on Xi's address and the formation of the new body, but each brings a distinct regional focus.

Al Jazeera emphasised the geopolitical context, framing Xi's speech as an "apparent jab at the United States" and noting that Beijing is positioning itself as a leader of a new global AI order. The outlet also pointed to US technology import restrictions on China, citing national security concerns.

Deutsche Welle's coverage highlighted Xi's call for cooperation and China's ambition to become a leading AI innovation centre, without the strong US rivalry framing.

The South China Morning Post, focused on Indonesia's decision to join the new body, examined the potential consequences for Jakarta's ties with Washington, quoting analysts who saw the move as a possible political manoeuvre that could complicate a recent trade agreement requiring Indonesia to consult the US before entering digital trade pacts.

The Hindu women's report emphasised Xi's speech and China's commitments to developing countries, including 5,000 AI research projects, training, and cooperation centres, as well as the WAICO agreement's adherence to a people-centred approach.

Key Claims

  • Xi Jinping called for global cooperation on AI development, saying it should be a "symphony" of international cooperation rather than a "solo performance" by one country. This was reported by all four outlets.
  • On Thursday, representatives from 29 nations signed an agreement to establish the World AI Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), an intergovernmental body headquartered in Shanghai, as reported by Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, and The Hindu.
  • The founding members include Russia, Belarus, Serbia, Cuba, Brazil, Venezuela, Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia, according to Al Jazeera and The Hindu.
  • The WAICO aims to promote international cooperation and global governance in AI, according to a statement from the signing ceremony reported by Deutsche Welle.
  • In a pledge carried by The Hindu, China said it will provide developing countries with 5,000 AI research projects, along with training, seminar programmes and cooperation centres over the next five years.
  • The WAICO agreement upholds the purposes of the UN Charter and is committed to extensive consultation and a people-centred approach, as reported by The Hindu.
  • Indonesia joined WAICO to gain access to training, infrastructure and a bigger role in global AI governance, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

Perspectives

Chinese government

President Xi Jinping positioned China as a facilitator of equitable AI access, promising research and training for developing countries and calling for a "people-centred" approach that keeps AI under human control.

Indonesia's perspective

Indonesia sees membership in WAICO as a route to technological development and a more significant role in global AI governance, but the move raises questions about its relationship with the United States, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

United States

While no official US response was cited, both Al Jazeera and the South China Morning Post noted Washington's existing technology import restrictions on China, citing national security concerns. Indonesia's trade agreement with the US requires it to consult Washington before entering digital trade pacts, which could be tested by its WAICO membership.