China, Russia and 27 other countries have signed an agreement establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), marking a significant new effort to shape global governance of artificial intelligence.

The agreement was signed in Shanghai last week during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi signing on behalf of China.

The new organisation will be headquartered in Shanghai and is intended to promote international cooperation, common standards and the safe, fair development of AI technologies.

According to the agreement, WAICO will operate as an independent intergovernmental organisation guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter. Chinese officials say it aims to strengthen collaboration on AI governance while ensuring the technology develops in a way that benefits all countries.

Representatives from 29 countries, including Russia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Laos, became founding members by signing the agreement. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres attended the ceremony alongside representatives from other countries and international organisations.

The initiative comes as competition over artificial intelligence intensifies between China and the United States. Beijing has increasingly promoted international AI cooperation with developing nations, offering open-source technologies, training programmes and digital infrastructure as an alternative to Western-led approaches.

Analysts say WAICO could become an important platform for countries seeking greater access to AI technology while also influencing future international rules governing its use.

No Pacific Island countries have been announced as founding members. However, developments in global AI governance are likely to be watched closely across the region as governments consider the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies and digital transformation.