China Becomes First Country to Approve World AI Cooperation Agreement

China has become the first of 38 founding members to approve an agreement establishing the World AI Cooperation Organization, advancing efforts to create an international AI governance body.

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress approved the agreement at its 25th session. China is the organization's initiator and host country. China described the approval as a commitment to advance the organization's preparations.

China's president announced the organization in July during the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance. The initiative received positive international responses, and 38 countries became founding members.

China plans to move the organization toward full operation, with practical cooperation and capacity-building for Global South countries as priorities. It welcomes more countries to join.

The group's stated aim is to help countries share AI's opportunities and benefits. China's approach emphasizes consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, while promoting AI for public good and a fair and reasonable global governance system.