Diplomats say the European Commission privately reported a Chinese invitation to join WAICO while publicly denying it
Washington has warned that joining the Beijing-backed AI body is incompatible with Pax Silica, which the EU signed in June.
Tech Times cites three diplomats who say China formally invited the European Commission to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). Beijing set up the intergovernmental body in Shanghai on July 16, 2026, when 29 nations signed on. According to the diplomats, the Commission briefed national experts from member states on the offer on or around October 21. Asked to confirm the invitation publicly, a Commission spokesperson denied that any official offer had been received. The contradiction comes as the United States presses partners to choose between competing AI blocs. The US State Department sent a letter to 35 partner nations saying that membership in Pax Silica, which the EU joined in June, is incompatible with joining a rival AI initiative. Tech Times argues that, because of that warning, the Commission's silence is effectively a decision against WAICO made by inaction. The account rests on unnamed diplomatic sources and has not been confirmed by the Commission. If accurate, it shows how US-China competition over AI governance is narrowing Europe's room to set its own course on international cooperation.