SHANGHAI will host what organizers say will be the largest edition of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) since its launch in 2018, bringing together more than 1,100 companies, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders from July 17 to 20 as countries intensify efforts to shape the future of artificial intelligence.
Held under the theme “Intelligent Partners, Co-create the Future,” the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance will feature more than 3,000 AI products and technologies, over 300 global product launches and more than 140 forums covering artificial intelligence research, industrial applications and international governance.
The exhibition at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center will span more than 100,000 square meters and showcase advances in foundation models, AI chips, intelligent computing infrastructure, robotics, autonomous systems, enterprise AI and health care applications.
Chinese technology companies including Huawei, Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu, SenseTime, iFlytek, MiniMax, Zhipu AI and Unitree Robotics are expected to participate alongside international firms and research institutions.
WAIC has increasingly evolved into a forum for discussions on how governments should regulate increasingly capable AI systems while encouraging innovation and international cooperation.
The conference’s High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance will bring together government officials, international organizations, researchers and technology executives to discuss AI safety, standards, regulation and cooperation as countries seek common approaches to managing rapidly advancing AI technologies.
Ann Cuisia, founder and chief executive officer of TraXion Tech, said international cooperation should not come at the expense of national technological independence.
“Technological sovereignty does not mean technological isolation. A country can cooperate globally without surrendering control over its data, critical infrastructure, public algorithms, or national decision-making,” Cuisia said.
She said countries should evaluate AI technologies using consistent governance principles regardless of their origin.
“The question is not whether the technology comes from China, the United States, Europe, or anywhere else. The same governance standards should apply: Can we audit it? Can we control our data? Can we operate independently? Can we migrate away from it? Can we protect ourselves if geopolitical relations change?” Cuisia said. Jing Garcia
The Manila Times tech columnist Gail Macapagal, who is also the executive director of Qadena Foundation and founder of Women in Blockchain Philippines, said artificial intelligence has evolved beyond a technological issue into one affecting national competitiveness and resilience.
“We often talk about AI as the next big technology. I think it’s bigger than that. AI is becoming part of a country’s economic strength, national security, and even its identity. If we don’t build our own capabilities, we’ll always be dependent on decisions made somewhere else,” Macapagal said.
She said technological sovereignty should focus on strengthening domestic capabilities rather than limiting international collaboration.
“Technological sovereignty isn’t about shutting the world out. It’s about making sure we have enough talent, infrastructure, and policy to make decisions that are right for our own people,” she said.
Macapagal said AI governance should strike a balance between innovation and oversight.
“I’ve never believed that regulation should slow innovation. Good regulation actually gives innovators confidence because everyone understands the rules,” she said.
The conference will also introduce WAIC Academic 2026, its first peer-reviewed international research forum, alongside initiatives connecting startups, investors, researchers and policymakers.
Organizers are expanding the event beyond the exhibition halls through citywide demonstrations of AI applications across Shanghai, reflecting the growing integration of artificial intelligence into public services, industry and everyday life.
As governments compete to develop advanced computing infrastructure, foundation models and semiconductor technologies, WAIC has become one of Asia’s leading platforms for examining not only the commercial potential of AI but also the policies and governance frameworks that may shape its global development in the years ahead.
