International experts at the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative force driving China's shift toward tech-driven, sustainable development. The annual conference, running from March 27 to 31, convened global leaders to discuss AI's accelerating role in smart manufacturing, climate solutions, and space exploration.
Kai-Fu Lee, CEO of 01.AI and chairman of Sinovation Ventures, emphasized that "2025 will mark the first year of large-scale AI application implementation" as advances in large language models revolutionize industrial productivity. "We're witnessing the dawn of a new era where AI's intelligence evolves alongside breakthrough technologies," he stated during a keynote address.
The forum underscored AI's cross-sector potential, from optimizing renewable energy systems to enabling precision manufacturing. Analysts noted these developments align with broader efforts to upgrade the Chinese mainland's industrial capabilities while meeting decarbonization targets.
