China Prioritizes AI Talent Development to Drive Industry Growth and Global Leadership

Xi noted that AI is a strategic technology that is driving a new round of technological and industrial revolutions, profoundly changing the way people live and work. He highlighted the need to address the gaps in China's AI development, particularly in basic theory and core technologies, and to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and industrial upgrading through AI. The country has made significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence, establishing a comprehensive industrial system that spans from the foundational layer to the application layer. Breakthroughs have been achieved in the foundational layer, framework layer, model layer, and application layer, resulting in a plethora of intelligent products and the integration of industry upgrades and services.

China has also become the country with the largest number of AI patent applications globally, with the number of patent applications reaching 1,576,379 as of April 9, 2025, accounting for 38.58% of the global total. The country has cultivated over 400 national-level specialized and innovative "little giant" enterprises in the AI field, which account for about one-tenth of the global AI industry's scale. Furthermore, China has established a 60 billion yuan national AI fund to accelerate technological innovation, industrial development, and application empowerment in the field.

The government has emphasized the importance of strengthening foundational research, cultivating high-quality models, and improving the development efficiency of AI frameworks. As a result, AI has been widely applied in fields such as electronic materials, consumer goods, and healthcare, driving industry upgrades and improving efficiency. The need for high-quality talent in this field has become more pressing than ever, and China has been actively promoting the development of AI education across all levels of the academic spectrum, as well as fostering a culture of AI literacy throughout society.

This initiative aims to cultivate a steady stream of highly skilled AI professionals who can drive innovation and propel the nation's AI sector forward. The government seeks to create an environment that not only attracts but also retains top talent, offering them the platforms and resources necessary to flourish in their careers. The emphasis on talent cultivation and development underscores the critical role that human capital plays in China's quest for AI supremacy.

The push for AI education is multifaceted, involving the integration of AI-related courses into school curricula, the establishment of specialized AI programs in universities, and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for professionals. This holistic approach is designed to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the skills required to thrive in an AI-driven economy. By prioritizing talent development, China aims to solidify its position as a leader in the global AI landscape, leveraging its human capital to overcome the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by this transformative technology.

China's development prospects in the field of artificial intelligence are vast, with President Xi Jinping emphasizing the need to widely promote international cooperation in artificial intelligence, helping global southern countries to strengthen their technological capabilities and contributing to bridging the global intelligence gap. The vision is part of a broader push for China to occupy a leading position in the development and application of artificial intelligence, while ensuring that this technology serves the betterment of humanity.

By fostering stronger international cooperation and advancing the development of AI, China aims to not only drive its own technological and economic advancements but also to contribute to global development and stability. The emphasis on international cooperation highlights the understanding that the challenges and opportunities presented by AI are global in nature and require a concerted effort to address. The development and implementation of AI must be accompanied by robust governance frameworks, ethical guidelines, and safeguards to prevent misuse.

The establishment of a global governance framework for AI that is based on broad consensus will be instrumental in ensuring that AI development and deployment are conducted in a manner that respects human rights, dignity, and well-being. As AI continues to evolve and permeate various aspects of society, the concerted efforts of governments, industries, and civil society will be essential in shaping its future. The path forward involves balancing the pursuit of technological advancement with the need for ethical, secure, and equitable development, ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all and that its risks are mitigated. Through cooperation and a shared commitment to responsible AI development, the world can unlock the vast potential of this technology to build a brighter, more prosperous future for all.