At the 2025 World AI Conference in Shanghai, industry data revealed that China has released 1,509 large AI models—the most of any country or region—accounting for a hefty slice of the 3,755 models launched globally so far. This milestone cements China’s position at the forefront of AI innovation.
Behind this achievement is a robust ecosystem: over 5,100 AI companies call China home, representing around 15% of the global total. Among them are 71 AI unicorns—26% of the world’s 271 unicorns—specializing in fields like large models, autonomous driving, intelligent robots, business intelligence applications, and AI computing chips.
“The rapid iteration of foundational large models, combined with cutting-edge approaches, points toward real progress on the path to Artificial General Intelligence,” said Yu Xiaohui, president of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT). “With leading tech giants, nimble startups and specialized firms, we’re seeing a vibrant innovation landscape.”
Publicly traded companies and unicorns are key engines of growth, generating roughly 70% of the country’s total AI industry revenue. As new technologies, applications and business models emerge, China’s AI sector is fast becoming a major driver of economic and social development.
Themed “Global Solidarity in the AI Era,” this year’s three-day WAIC drew high-level representatives from over 40 countries and international organizations, underscoring the need for collaboration on governance, ethics and innovation in AI.
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China tops global AI model count with over 1,500 large models released
cgtn.com
