Introduction
Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China is reinforcing its commitment to a comprehensive national strategy for the development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI). Recognizing AI as a strategic technology that is reshaping various aspects of life and work [5], China’s approach emphasizes a balanced integration of government support and market-driven advancements.
Description
China’s leadership [2], under Xi Jinping [2], is reaffirming its commitment to a comprehensive national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) development and governance [2], recognizing AI as a strategic technology that is reshaping work and life [1]. The recent Politburo study session emphasized a “whole-of-nation” approach [2], leveraging a “new whole national system” to enhance technological innovation and AI applications while balancing government support with market-driven advancements. This strategy aims to improve top-level design and planning [1], aligning with the Four Orientations concept that prioritizes economic transformation through science and technology (S&T) [2].
The session highlighted the importance of AI governance [2], focusing on ensuring that AI development is “beneficial [2], safe [1] [2] [4] [5], and fair.” Xi’s remarks underscored the potential of AI as a global public good [2], reflecting China’s intent to support technological capacity building in the Global South while maintaining a human-centric approach to AI [2]. The leadership has called for achieving self-reliance and self-strengthening in AI capabilities [5], addressing deficiencies in foundational theories and core technologies [1] [5], particularly in high-end chips and foundational software [4], and promoting practical applications to ensure orderly development [5].
Key priorities include advancing research in basic theories and methodologies [5], developing high-end chips and foundational software [4], and creating autonomous AI systems [5]. The integration of AI innovation with industrial innovation is deemed crucial [1], with a push for an enterprise-led innovation ecosystem to transform traditional industries [1]. Strong policy support is essential [5], encompassing areas such as intellectual property rights [3], fiscal policy [3], taxation [3], and government procurement [1] [3] [4] [5]. Recommendations for integrating intellectual property policies [5], fiscal incentives [1] [5], and government procurement strategies are crucial for fostering an environment conducive to AI innovation. Additionally, there is a pressing need for comprehensive S&T financing documents and initiatives to enhance AI education and literacy across all academic levels, cultivating a continuous supply of high-caliber talent [3].
While recognizing the opportunities presented by AI [5], there is a clear acknowledgment of the associated risks and challenges [5]. Xi’s call for mastering core technologies indicates a response to perceived threats from US technology controls and a desire for technological self-sufficiency [2]. The emphasis on AI as a strategic technology underscores its role in economic growth amidst international pressures [2]. To address the complexities of AI development, it is essential to understand the trends and regulations governing the field [3], expediting the creation and refinement of relevant laws [3], policies [3] [5], application standards [3], and ethical guidelines [1] [2] [3] [5].
Xi’s directives for the expedited development of AI regulations and laws [4], along with the establishment of risk warning and emergency response systems, suggest an imminent push for enhanced AI safety measures [2]. Ensuring that AI remains safe [4], reliable [4], and controllable is vital [4], reflecting a response to global economic volatility and geopolitical shifts [2]. This strategy positions China’s AI development within a larger context of international resilience and competition [2], advocating for international governance and cooperation in AI that extends beyond wealthy nations. Coordination of development strategies [1] [5], governance rules [1] [2] [5], and technical standards is essential for effective global governance in AI [1], addressing the global AI divide and enhancing technological capacity in developing regions.
Conclusion
China’s strategic focus on AI development under Xi Jinping’s leadership has significant implications for both domestic and international landscapes. By prioritizing technological self-reliance and innovation, China aims to bolster its economic growth and resilience against global pressures. The emphasis on governance, safety [1] [2] [3] [5], and international cooperation highlights China’s intent to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI on a global scale, addressing disparities and fostering technological advancement in developing regions.
References
[1] https://en.qstheory.cn/2025-04/29/c1089493.htm
[2] https://digichina.stanford.edu/work/forum-xis-message-to-the-politburo-on-ai/
[3] https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/xi-politburo-collective-study-ai-2025/
[4] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/chinas-xi-calls-for-self-sufficiency-in-ai-development-amid-us-rivalry/articleshow/120636496.cms
[5] https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202504/29/contentWS68100ef1c6d0868f4e8f2275.html
