On 21 August 2025, the State Council of China released the Opinions on Deeply Implementing the “Artificial Intelligence Plus” Action Plan (the “Action Plan”), approved on 31 July 2025. The plan sets phased development goals, identifies priority sectors, and provides a roadmap for integrating AI into China’s economic, social, and governance systems.

Brief Summary
The Action Plan sets three phased goals:

  • By 2027: Over 70% adoption of next-generation AI applications such as intelligent terminals and agents. AI-driven industries will see accelerated growth.
  • By 2030: Adoption will exceed 90%, making the intelligent economy a key growth driver for national development.
  • By 2035: China aims to complete its transformation into an intelligent economy and society.

Six Major Actions

  1. “AI+” Scientific Technology
    AI will be used to drive breakthroughs in scientific discovery and new research paradigms. The plan calls for better integration between AI-based research, engineering, and commercialization, speeding up innovation cycles. AI will also be applied in social sciences to analyze human behavior, society, and policy.
  2. “AI+” Industrial Development
    AI-native models and industries will be fostered. Enterprises are encouraged to embed AI into business models, while traditional industries will be upgraded through AI-driven transformation. Full-scale industrial intelligence will extend AI into product design, manufacturing, services, and supply chains. Agriculture will also benefit, with AI supporting breeding, farm equipment, and management. The service industry will transition to AI-powered models in areas like finance, logistics, law, and trade.
  3. “AI+” Consumer Goods Industry
    The plan promotes intelligent consumption through new scenarios such as personalized and experiential services. It emphasizes building a smart product ecosystem—connected vehicles, AI-powered smartphones and computers, wearables, smart homes, and robots—creating an integrated environment for human–machine interaction.
  4. “AI+” Public Welfare
    To ease employment pressures, AI vocational training will be provided, alongside integration of AI into education and healthcare. AI-enabled learning models will enhance education quality, while applications in healthcare, cultural industries, and public services will improve overall living standards.
  5. “AI+” Governance Capability
    The Action Plan calls for human–machine collaboration in governance. AI will expand into e-government and rural services, while supporting public safety through intelligent monitoring, early warning, and disaster prevention. Ecological management—covering air, water, soil, and biodiversity—will also be strengthened with AI tools.
  6. “AI+” Global Cooperation
    China commits to building an inclusive AI ecosystem and promoting international cooperation in computing, data, and talent. It emphasizes open-source development and reducing the global AI divide, particularly for developing countries. The Action Plan supports a UN-centered global governance framework and encourages deeper cooperation with international organizations.

Eight Essential Infrastructure Capabilities
The Action Plan identifies eight key foundations to support implementation:

  • Fundamental AI Models: Improve theory, training methods, and evaluation.
  • Data Supply: Build high-quality datasets, clarify copyright rules, and expand synthetic data industries.
  • Computing Power: Develop AI chips, expand clusters, and ensure efficient and green computing.
  • Application Environment: Build testing bases, improve standards, and strengthen IP protection.
  • Open-Source Ecosystem: Support global communities and internationally recognized platforms.
  • Talent Development: Enhance AI education, promote interdisciplinary programs, and attract top talent.
  • Policy & Regulation: Provide financial support, strengthen risk management, and advance AI-related laws and ethics.
  • Security: Establish safeguards, early warning systems, and emergency response mechanisms for AI risks.

Development Philosophies
An official analysis highlights five guiding principles:

  1. Plan Ahead with Clear Goals: Roadmaps for 2027, 2030, and 2035 balance near-term tasks with long-term direction.
  2. Systemic Approach: Treat AI as a driver of economic, social, and governance transformation, while addressing risks such as digital divides and job displacement.
  3. Sector-Specific Policies: Apply tailored regulation—stricter in high-risk areas like finance and autonomous driving, and stronger R&D support in healthcare and elder care.
  4. Openness and Cooperation: Build an inclusive AI ecosystem and strengthen global participation in governance and standards.
  5. Security and Trust: Ensure safeguards across models, data, and applications, with monitoring, early warning, and risk-prevention mechanisms.

 

Source:

  1. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/202508/content_7037861.htm
  2. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/202508/content_7037929.htm
  3. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/202508/content_7038092.htm