In its latest road map for artificial intelligence, China has set targets for the adoption of AI-powered devices across various industries – aiming for over 70 per cent by 2027 and over 90 per cent by 2030.
The targets, unveiled in guidelines by the State Council, China’s cabinet, on Tuesday, are part of Beijing’s “AI Plus” strategy, which seeks to integrate the cutting-edge technology across manufacturing, agriculture and services.
“[The strategy aims to] boost productivity, reshape how industries operate, and accelerate the growth of a smart economy and society built on human–machine collaboration, cross-sector integration and co-creation,” according to the guidelines.
The document also called for a strong push in developing AI-powered smartphones, computers, robots, home appliances and wearable devices, as well as connected cars.
The “AI Plus” strategy followed the 2015 “Internet Plus” initiative, which helped transform China into a highly digitised society by leveraging the internet as a driver of productivity and innovation.
Amid the intensifying tech rivalry with the United States, the world’s second-largest economy has stepped up efforts to secure a leading position in next-generation technologies.
The latest guidelines pledged to speed up the integration of AI with the metaverse, low-altitude aviation and brain–computer interfaces, while exploring new AI-driven smart products.
To support AI use, China would enhance its computing infrastructure by pushing for breakthroughs in chips and software, as well as by accelerating the roll-out of large-scale intelligent computing clusters.
The guidelines stressed the need for a national integrated computing network that effectively coordinates data, computing, power and networks. They underscored the importance of innovative models, a high-quality data supply, open-source AI communities, talent training and a supportive financing system.
According to the document, AI should enhance daily life by addressing labour shortages and performing work in high-risk environments, as well as by contributing to healthcare and care services for children and seniors.
The AI industry was projected to become a significant driver of economic growth, adding over 11 trillion yuan to China’s GDP by 2035 – about 4 to 5 per cent of total output, according to Rao Shaoyang, director at the China Telecom Research Institute, speaking at the China Computing Power Conference.
In a research note released on Wednesday, analysts at Kaiyuan Securities said the central government’s policy support for the industry was strengthening.
“We are optimistic that downstream AI applications will flourish and be deployed at an accelerated pace,” the note’s authors said.
“And the recent release of DeepSeek’s V3.1 model will support the development of next-generation domestic chips. We expect China’s AI ecosystem to see rapid growth, driven by both policy support and technological breakthroughs.” (SCMP)
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