Xi Jinping Stresses Self-Reliance and Application-Oriented AI Development at Politburo Study
On April 25, the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held its 20th collective study session to discuss strengthening the development and regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). During the session, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that, in light of the rapid advancement of next-generation AI technology, China must leverage the advantages of its unique national system, adhere to the principles of self-reliance, prioritize application-oriented development, and promote the healthy and orderly growth of AI in a beneficial, safe, and equitable direction.
Professor Zheng Nanning from Xi’an Jiaotong University provided an explanation and suggestions on this topic. The members of the Politburo carefully listened to the presentation and engaged in discussion.
Following the briefing and discussion, Xi Jinping delivered an important speech. He pointed out that AI, as a strategic technology driving a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, is profoundly changing human production and lifestyle. The CPC Central Committee attaches great importance to AI development. In recent years, efforts have been made to improve the top-level design, strengthen work deployment, and promote significant and systematic advancements in China’s AI capabilities. However, there are still shortcomings in areas such as fundamental theory and core technologies. Xi emphasized the need to acknowledge these gaps, intensify efforts, and comprehensively advance AI technological innovation, industrial development, and application empowerment, while improving the AI regulatory system to maintain control over its development and governance.
Xi stressed that to gain an advantage in AI, breakthroughs must be achieved in fundamental theories, methodologies, and tools. Continuous investment in basic research is essential, focusing on overcoming challenges in high-end chips, core software, and building autonomous, controllable, and collaborative AI hardware and software systems. AI should lead the transformation of scientific research paradigms and accelerate technological innovations across various fields.
Xi pointed out that China has rich data resources, a complete industrial system, wide application scenarios, and vast market potential. There is a need to integrate AI technological innovation with industrial innovation, creating a collaborative innovation system led by enterprises, academia, research institutions, and application sectors. This would help upgrade traditional industries, open new growth avenues for emerging industries, and advance AI infrastructure development. Additionally, the development and sharing of data resources should be deepened.
Regarding policy support for AI, Xi emphasized the importance of integrating various policies such as intellectual property rights, fiscal taxation, government procurement, and infrastructure openness. China should enhance its financial support for AI technologies and prioritize AI education across all stages of learning and in society at large to cultivate high-quality talent. The country must also improve research support, vocational assistance, and talent evaluation mechanisms to create platforms that allow individuals to showcase their skills and advance their careers.
Xi acknowledged the unprecedented opportunities AI brings but also highlighted the risks and challenges it presents. To mitigate these, China must understand AI’s development trends and principles, accelerate the formulation of relevant laws, regulations, policies, standards, and ethical guidelines, and establish systems for technology monitoring, risk alerts, and emergency response to ensure AI’s safety, reliability, and control.
Xi concluded that AI could become a public international product benefiting humanity. China should actively engage in international AI cooperation, assist developing countries in the global South with their technological capacity building, and contribute to bridging the global digital divide. China should also encourage international coordination on development strategies, governance rules, and technical standards to create a global governance framework with broad consensus.