China to strengthen the development of AI technologies

China is expected to strengthen the development of artificial intelligence technologies through enhanced top-level design and systematic deployment during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), thereby injecting new impetus into high-quality development, a senior science and technology official said at a news conference in Beijing on Friday.

"The Chinese government has attached great importance to artificial intelligence, continuously fostering a favorable innovation ecosystem to accelerate its development," Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun told a news conference on the guiding principles from the fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Yin said that China has consistently made new breakthroughs in scientific and technological innovation in AI by persistently strengthening strategic research and development. This has led to a series of internationally influential innovations in areas such as foundational large models and humanoid robots.

The scale and quality of the AI industry have seen rapid improvement in China, with the total number of AI enterprises surpassing 4,500 by the end of last year.

"Notably, a collaborative innovation ecosystem within the industry is accelerating its formation," Yin said.

"AI has significantly empowered economic and social development, with the 'AI Plus' initiative deeply integrating into key sectors such as manufacturing, finance, and healthcare, becoming a new engine for economic growth," he added.

Yin said that during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the Chinese government will continue to enhance top-level design and systematic deployment of AI.

He said that China will strengthen foundational research and address key core technologies by focusing on developing new model algorithms and high-end computing chips to solidify the technological foundation for AI development.

China will deeply implement the "AI Plus" initiative, promoting the deep integration of AI with scientific and technological innovation, industrial development, consumption systems and the security of people's livelihoods, Yin said.

Yin also emphasized the importance of strengthening AI governance by refining relevant laws, regulations, policy systems, application norms, and ethical guidelines to improve governance mechanisms.

"We will promote international exchanges and cooperation to make AI an international public good that benefits humanity. By driving inclusive sharing, we aim to jointly build a global AI governance system and collectively address global challenges," he added.