Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for greater self-reliance in artificial intelligence development. This comes as China continues to compete with the United States in the fast-growing AI sector.
Speaking at a Politburo study session on Friday, Xi said China must use its national system to move ahead in AI technology. The news was reported by China’s official state media agency, Xinhua.
Xi said China must recognize current challenges and work harder to improve innovation, industry growth, and the use of AI in real-world applications.
China’s Plan to Build Its Own AI Systems
Xi stressed that China must focus on building its own AI systems. This means improving core parts like high-end chips and key software.
He said the country should build AI systems that are independent, secure, and able to work together across different sectors.
Xi also said that AI-related laws and rules need to be developed faster. He explained that safety systems must be in place to manage risks and ensure AI use is safe and under control.
Competing With the U.S. in AI
The United States is seen as the global leader in AI, especially after OpenAI launched ChatGPT in late 2022. However, experts say China is catching up.
In January, Chinese startup DeepSeek launched a new AI model. The company said it used less advanced chips and lower costs to build its system compared to Western models.
This challenged the idea that U.S. sanctions are holding China back. It also showed that Chinese developers can still move forward even with limited access to top-tier hardware.
Some experts believe DeepSeek’s model proves that China is finding new ways to compete in AI without needing the latest Western technology.
National Strategy to Boost AI
Xi said China will use a new whole national system to support AI development. This means combining the efforts of government, businesses, and research institutions to reach the same goal.
This method has been used before in areas like space science and transportation. Experts say it helps China move faster in big projects by using all available resources.
Technology leaders in China say this approach can help the country grow its AI sector faster than ever before.
Focus on AI Safety and Fairness
Xi also said AI development must be done safely and fairly. He explained that AI should not be a tool only for rich countries.
He repeated his call for better international cooperation and shared rules to manage the risks and impact of artificial intelligence.
China is already working on its own AI laws and has joined global talks on AI ethics. These laws are expected to come into effect later this year.
Experts believe that clear rules will help China create AI tools that are safe and trusted both inside the country and around the world.
What Comes Next for China’s AI Plans
China sees AI as a major part of its future. The technology is important not just for business, but also for national security and global influence.
Xi’s latest comments show that the country is serious about growing its AI power. With more support for research, better laws, and stronger cooperation across sectors, China aims to become a world leader in artificial intelligence.
Technology experts believe China’s fast progress could soon make it a match for the United States in many parts of the AI field.
