As competition between Beijing and Washington over the global governance of artificial intelligence continues, China has asked Indonesia to strongly support the newly established World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO).
Wang Yi seeks support for WAICO
During a meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono in Jakarta on Friday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the two countries should expand their existing cooperation into emerging fields such as artificial intelligence. Wang Yi also called for efforts to help WAICO succeed.
The meeting took place as part of high-level diplomatic and security talks in Indonesia involving Wang Yi and Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun. Wang Yi and Sugiono attended the first meeting of the China-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue. Wang Yi and Dong Jun also joined their Indonesian counterparts for the second foreign and defense ministers’ 2+2 dialogue.
29 countries sign WAICO agreement
Twenty-nine countries, including Indonesia, signed an agreement in Shanghai last month to establish WAICO as an intergovernmental organization. The organization aims to advance international cooperation in artificial intelligence and global AI governance.
China opposes blocs in artificial intelligence
Indonesia, which maintains a nonaligned and “free and active” foreign policy, is seeking to strengthen its economic and technological ties with both China and the United States.
China said on Wednesday that countries have the right to independently choose their partners and AI models in line with their national conditions and development needs.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian commented on reports that the U.S. administration would send letters to countries that signed the “AI Opportunity Declaration,” warning them not to join initiatives it considers incompatible with Washington’s conditions. Lin Jian said China firmly opposes forcing countries to choose sides and creating blocs in the field of artificial intelligence.
Maria Nica / Editor
