Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a new artificial intelligence alliance known as WAICO, according to Al Jazeera. The move signals Beijing’s growing ambition to play a leading role in the fast-developing field of artificial intelligence.

Analysts cited by Al Jazeera say Beijing is likely to use the WAICO alliance to influence global AI regulations. That suggests the initiative is aimed not only at technological cooperation but also at shaping the rules that will govern how AI is developed and deployed around the world.

The launch places China more firmly in the international debate over how artificial intelligence should be managed, a discussion that has drawn attention from governments, companies and civil society groups worldwide.

At this stage, details reported about the alliance remain limited. The available information focuses on the launch itself and the assessment by analysts that the alliance could become a vehicle for China’s regulatory influence.

As the initiative develops, the extent of its membership, scope and specific goals are likely to become clearer. For now, the emphasis is on Beijing’s intent to be a central player in setting the global direction for AI governance.