China and Indonesia have agreed to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, or WAICO, with a stated aim of expanding developing countries’ role in global AI governance. The initiative places Indonesia among the organisation’s founding members rather than simply among users of AI products and services.
The agreement reflects a broader contest over influence in a technology field advancing rapidly across the world. For Indonesia, WAICO is intended to strengthen the representation of the Global South in international decisions on artificial intelligence.
A New Forum for AI Governance
The establishment of WAICO was reaffirmed during a bilateral meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto. The meeting took place in Shanghai, China, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, while Airlangga was attending the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, or WAIC.
Wang said the organisation was designed to help bridge the technology gap faced by developing countries. He said China wanted to promote AI development that is inclusive, fair and widely accessible without third-party intervention.
| Side | Representative | Stated Focus |
|---|---|---|
| China | Wang Yi | Inclusive, fair and widely accessible AI |
| Indonesia | Airlangga Hartarto | Greater Global South role in AI governance |
Wang said China-Indonesia cooperation was not aimed at any third party and should not be disrupted by third-party interests. He also argued that AI should serve human well-being rather than become a new instrument of hegemony.
“China-Indonesia cooperation is not targeted at any third party and should not be disrupted by any third party. We need to increase the voice and representation of developing countries and jointly safeguard the legitimate interests of the Global South,” Wang said, as quoted by Liputan6.com from Antara.
Indonesia’s Strategic Position
Airlangga described Indonesia’s role as a WAICO founding member as a tactical step. He said the organisation could help Global South countries participate more deeply in the governance of AI worldwide.
He said WAICO would also support multilateralism and protect the legitimate rights of developing countries. The position links AI cooperation to a wider effort to broaden developing countries’ representation in the global digital arena.
“This organisation will help Global South countries participate more deeply in global AI governance, uphold multilateralism, and safeguard the legitimate rights of developing countries,” Airlangga said.
Technology Cooperation and Investment
Discussions on AI cooperation are moving alongside an investment agenda between Jakarta and Beijing. China asked Indonesia to maintain a fair, conducive and equal business climate for Chinese companies.
Airlangga said Indonesia under President Prabowo Subianto was open to technology and industrial investment from China. The government also committed to investment-friendly regulations intended to accelerate technology transfer and strengthen domestic supply chains.
One strategic project mentioned in the effort to deepen bilateral relations is Two Countries, Twin Parks. Through the combination of AI cooperation and investment, the two countries expect to support economic growth and shape a new balance in the global technology landscape.