China’s Xi Jinping announces World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization; calls for open-source AI models

China announced the Shanghai-based World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), with 29 member countries including Pakistan, Russia and Indonesia. China made the announcement as it began its 15th Five-Year Plan. From July 17 to 20, it hosted the 2026 World AI Conference, an annual event it has organised since 2018—four years before the launch of ChatGPT Here are a few important statements made by CCP President Xi Jinping in his keynote address : Calls for open source, openness