context: In line with the 2025 Government Work Report’s commitment to advancing the AI+ initiative, during an April collective study session on strengthening the development and supervision of AI held by the Politburo, Xi Jinping 习近平 emphasised upholding self-reliance and prioritising application-oriented AI development. The PRC is prepared to roll out a full set of policy measures, including fiscal and tax incentives, education reform and regulatory framework enhancement, to help the country take the lead in AI development and governance.
On 29 April 2025, Xi Jinping 习近平 conducted an inspection tour in Shanghai and highlighted the city's historical responsibility as an international centre for scitech innovation, urging it to seize opportunities, align with national strategies and accelerate the building of a technological innovation hub with global influence, reports Xinhua.
Xi visited the Model-Speed Space Large Model Innovation Ecosystem Community, an incubation and acceleration platform for AI large model in Xuhui District, Shanghai, along with Chen Jining 陈吉宁 Politburo member and Shanghai Municipal Party Committee secretary and Gong Zheng 龚正 Shanghai mayor.
Xi reviewed a video presentation on AI development in Shanghai, inspected large model products from major incubated enterprises and received briefings on scitech R&D and business operations, according to Xinhua.
Shanghai should consolidate experiences of large-model industrial ecosystem incubation to lead AI development and governance and set a national benchmark, as Xi encourages, commending Shanghai's progress in AI development and noting the rapid iteration and explosive growth of AI technologies.
Xi participated in a salon themed ‘autonomous evolution of next-generation intelligent agents’ where young talents shared their experiences in AI research and applications.
AI is a young industry suited for the youth, highlights Xi, underscoring the PRC’s efforts to build a strong nation and achieve national rejuvenation, which presents opportunities for young talents to showcase their abilities. He urges young people to
- cultivate patriotism
- set aspirations to serve the nation
- enhance national capabilities
- link personal endeavours with the country's destiny
- carry forward historical mission
- flourish with broad modernisation
He also visited the AI experience store, which displayed products such as intelligent glasses, toys and innovative musical instruments. He tried intelligent glasses and was briefed in detail on the product functions and market conditions.
Abundant data resources, a comprehensive industrial system and vast market potential in the country give AI development a promising future, says Xi. He calls for enhancing policy support and talent development to create more reliable, safer and higher-quality AI products.