China to focus on core technologies and AI governance, says Xi

President Xi Jinping has laid out an ambitious plan for China to strengthen its artificial intelligence capabilities, describing AI as a key strategic frontier in the country’s broader effort to achieve technological independence, Reuters reported. 

At a Politburo study session, Xi said China must accelerate its drive to develop homegrown solutions across the AI value chain.

“Strengthening basic research, mastering high-end chips and basic software, and building an independent, controllable AI system are essential to our national development,” Xi said, according to state broadcaster Xinhua.

The renewed focus on AI comes amid an ongoing rivalry with the United States, where companies like OpenAI and Google have led in the development of advanced AI models. Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, Western dominance in AI has been a concern for Beijing, which has prioritised catching up through government-backed initiatives and state-directed R&D.

Xi highlighted China’s “new whole national system” as a strategic tool for marshalling resources toward AI innovation. 

He also announced expanded support for AI through government procurement, IP protection, and targeted investments in human capital. Crucially, Xi urged the introduction of legal frameworks and emergency response systems to govern the safe deployment of AI.

The president’s remarks follow growing recognition of China’s progress in the field. In January, DeepSeek, a Chinese startup, released an AI model said to rival Western peers while being developed at a lower cost and with less sophisticated chips. 

The development challenged assumptions that US sanctions would significantly hinder Chinese firms.