As China prepares its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a cornerstone of the nation's strategy to lead what experts call the "fourth industrial revolution." Drawing parallels with Britain's steam-powered transformation and America's digital revolution, Chinese policymakers envision AI as the catalyst for economic modernization and global technological leadership.
Historical Momentum Meets Modern Innovation
Tian Feng, founding dean of the Thinking Fast and Slow Research Institute, notes that China's planned AI push aligns with historical patterns of industrial transformation. The draft plan emphasizes self-reliance in core technologies, application-oriented innovation, and ethical governance frameworks to ensure AI development benefits all sectors of society.
Three Strategic Pillars
1. National Resource Mobilization: Leveraging China's institutional advantages to concentrate efforts on foundational AI research 2. Intelligent Robotics Integration: Accelerating smart manufacturing systems across key industries 3. Safety-Centric Development: Establishing guardrails against algorithmic bias while promoting equitable access to AI advancements
Analysts suggest these measures could position China as the primary architect of global AI standards by 2030, with particular implications for Asian markets seeking technological partnerships.
