As global tech races ahead, China's leadership has just released recommendations for its 15th Five-Year Plan covering 2026 to 2030. AI is at the heart of this strategy: industry insiders say the next five years are pivotal for turning domestic AI tools into deep, secure and scalable solutions.
China already ranks among leaders in AI application breadth and market size. Thanks to massive data pools, a full industrial chain and strong infrastructure, domestic players like iFlytek have built large-model platforms—such as Spark—that support over 130 languages, all based on homegrown computing power and algorithms. Yet, gaps remain in basic theory, original algorithms and cutting-edge chips.
To bridge these gaps and secure long-term advantages, experts recommend a coordinated push across four pillars:
- Technological innovation: Invest heavily in fundamental research and core AI breakthroughs to build a fully controllable tech foundation.
- Scenario-driven deployment: Scale pilot projects in manufacturing, education, healthcare and energy to turn prototypes into real-world drivers of growth.
- Standardized governance: Establish a three-tier framework—regulations, industry standards and supervisory tools—for full lifecycle oversight that balances security with innovation.
- Ecosystem development: Foster a vibrant ecosystem through policy guidance and cross-sector collaboration, ensuring sustainable adoption of domestic AI solutions.
Over the next five years, advancing domestic AI isn't just about economic growth; it's a strategic move to safeguard national security, boost high-quality development and create new competitive edges on the global stage.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and changemakers, keep an eye on how these plans unfold. As China ramps up support and scales real-world applications, the results could reshape industries worldwide—offering fresh opportunities for collaboration, investment and innovation.
Reference(s):
AI in China: Deeply applied domestic tech is a must for next 5 years
cgtn.com
