Given the breakneck speed of technological and commercial developments across the world, China is perhaps one of only a few sovereign states with a comprehensive strategy on both artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
The Chinese state philosophy in AI development is anchored in diffusion, as opposed to maximising the cutting-edge performance of select generative or reasoning models.
While American and European investors are lured by the prospects of superintelligent and humanoid robots, Chinese scientists and technocrats are doubling down on robots in energy and infrastructure planning. Chinese manufacturers are embracing “lights-out” factories and fully automating their supply chains with a combination of AI and robots.
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For a glimpse into the policies and changes to come, we should closely examine two recently published documents. In late August, the State Council unveiled its “AI Plus” initiative, pledging a “deep integration” of AI by 2027 across six key areas – in science and technology, industry, consumption, livelihoods and well-being, governance, and global cooperation – measured by a 70 per cent penetration rate target of “new-generation intelligent terminals and AI entities” throughout China. The aim is to raise the AI penetration to 90 per cent by 2030.
In October, with the fourth plenum’s conclusion, the Communist Party’s Central Committee issued its recommendations on the 15th five-year plan, setting the tone for working-level conversations in the coming months.
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Industrial upgrading through nascent technologies has displaced technological innovation and self-sufficiency to top the list of pledged priorities. The message is clear: technology is only desirable insofar as it amplifies human productivity and shores up supply chain efficiency, resilience and output.