context: The AI+ initiative was introduced in 2024’s Government Work Report, with local governments now working on different initatives. Landmark moments—such as DeepSeek’s global recognition, Unitree Robotics’ dancing robots at the Spring Festival Gala and the rise of Hangzhou’s Six AI Dragons—showcase the industry’s momentum.
2025’s Government Work Report reaffirms the commitment to advancing the AI+ initiative, aiming to leverage breakthroughs in AI by combining the PRC’s digital capabilities, manufacturing strength and vast market scale, explains Chen Changsheng 陈昌盛 State Council Research Office deputy director and Government Work Report drafting group deputy head.
AI’s impact extends beyond technology into economic shifts, says Chen, noting global markets are reassessing Chinese assets, partially reflecting AI’s role in driving economic development.
Key priorities for 2025 include
- industry empowerment
- AI adoption will be promoted across industrial, agricultural and service sectors to enhance productivity and drive industrial transformation
- support will focus on developing AI models for specialised applications, ensuring AI effectively boosts high-quality production
- smart terminal innovation
- Premier Li Qiang 李强 emphasised the need for rapid growth in AI-powered devices, including autonomous vehicles, AI smartphones, AI PCs and intelligent robots
- these technologies will integrate with the PRC’s manufacturing strengths to accelerate commercialisation while enhancing everyday consumer experiences
- large-scale AI deployment
- a nationwide initiative will demonstrate large-scale applications of AI in emerging fields, such as low-altitude economy, education and healthcare
- action will ensure efficient market integration, avoiding excessive 'private deployments' that lead to fragmentation
- instead, the PRC will leverage large-scale adoption and fast iteration to enhance synergy between technological innovation and commercial applications
- core technology & talent development
- advancing key AI technologies, improving data utilisation and optimising computing infrastructure
- AI talent, particularly young innovators, will receive increased support to foster an open and inclusive innovation ecosystem
- international AI cooperation
- AI governance is a global challenge requiring international collaboration
- the PRC’s 2023 Global AI Governance Initiative advocates for human-centric and ethical AI development
- the PRC supports UN-led discussions on AI safety and regulation, promoting fair, open access to AI while addressing ethical concerns
- AI can serve as a force for global cooperation and multilateralism, breaking down barriers and driving progress