Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Shanghai to sign the founding agreement of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).
The agreement signals a strategic shift in the China-Pakistan partnership, expanding their bilateral ties from traditional infrastructure and security into the governance and development of artificial intelligence. By joining WAICO, Pakistan seeks to secure a role in the emerging global framework for AI regulation and technological exchange.
During the two-day visit from July 16 to 17, 2024 [1], the two officials discussed strengthening practical cooperation in science and technology. The meetings occurred in Shanghai, where Dar attended the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference.
Some reports indicate the discussions took place on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, while others describe the visit as a dedicated mission to finalize the WAICO agreement [2, 3]. Despite these differing contexts, the primary objective remained the promotion of regional peace and stability through diplomatic and technological synergy.
Wang Yi praised the diplomatic role of the Pakistani government during the proceedings. "We appreciate Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional peace and stability," Wang said [4].
The partnership aims to leverage AI to enhance regional security and economic growth. By integrating into WAICO, Pakistan intends to modernize its technological infrastructure, and collaborate on AI research with Chinese partners to maintain a competitive edge in the region.
“Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Shanghai to sign the founding agreement of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).”
The formation of WAICO and Pakistan's immediate entry suggest a move by China to lead a non-Western bloc in AI governance. For Pakistan, this alignment provides critical access to advanced technology and Chinese investment, while further anchoring its foreign policy to Beijing's strategic interests in the high-tech sector.
