On 29 August 2025, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) held a press conference following the State Council’s released the Opinions of Deeply Implementing the “Artificial Intelligence Plus” Action Plan (also known as “AI+” initiative ). NDRC spokesperson detailed the authority’s planned response to this new initiative and its strategy for addressing domestic economic issues.

Currently, China’s domestic market is facing multiple challenges: external instability, weak household consumption ability and confidence, intensified enterprise competition, and lower investment returns. To address these issues, NDRC will continue implementing strategies to expand domestic demand, revitalize consumption, optimize international trades, and promote dual circulation of goods and services in both domestic and global markets.

With regards to incorporating AI+ initiative in tackling economic issues, Mr. Zhang Kailin, Deputy Director of the NDRC High-Tech Department, emphasized that effective implementation requires work in three areas:

  1. Supporting policies. Develop specific implementation plans for key industries under the 6 major actions of the initiative. Introduce policy guidelines on areas such as safety governance and international cooperation. Speed up setting industry-specific standards by national, sector and association levels.
  2. Major projects. Continue issuing “AI vouchers” in computing power and build application testing bases in key industries. Carry out joint projects for major strategic scenarios and explore new subsidy methods for AI consumer products.
  3. Demonstration and guidance. On one hand, encourage model enterprises, research institutes, and leading companies to form cross-sector teams to identify high-value scenarios and launch exemplary application cases. Support local governments and institutions to explore new models in supply-demand matching, resource integration, and performance incentives.

Since 2024, an increasing number of AI industry application standards have been launched, accompanied by the rapid establishment of related working groups. The introduction of the AI+ initiative, together with NDRC’s response, confirms expectations that in the foreseeable future there will be a substantial increase in standards connecting AI with consumer goods, manufacturing, and other key sectors. SESEC will continue to closely monitor these developments and provide timely updates on the latest progress.

Source: https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/202508/content_7038283.htm