Beijing has become the first major city in China to implement mandatory artificial intelligence (AI) education across all primary and secondary schools, signaling a transformative shift in preparing students for a tech-driven future. The initiative, launched this semester, aligns with China's national 'AI Plus' strategy to integrate cutting-edge technologies into core societal sectors.
Under the program, students will receive at least eight hours of AI instruction annually through standalone courses or interdisciplinary integration with subjects like information technology. Over 1,000 schools nationwide – including 150,000 students across 25 provinces – are already piloting curriculum materials developed through collaboration between the Beijing Municipal Education Commission and private edtech partners.
'Our 80 standardized lessons on machine learning, robotics, and ethical AI use are designed to cultivate problem-solving skills,' said Lu Xin, an AI education specialist involved in the program. The courses are hosted on Beijing's centralized smart education platform, enabling equitable access across urban and rural institutions.
Analysts suggest this move could reshape workforce development patterns in China's tech sector while influencing educational reforms across Asia. The program follows China's 2025 AI development goals, which prioritize nurturing domestic talent in emerging technologies.
