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Post-Two Sessions Actions in China's AI Sector

China unveils ambition to extensively integrate AI into economy by 2024, detailing plans for AI model development, data sharing, skill enhancement, and safety at its primary political gathering. Yet, the precise strategies are still yet to be disclosed.

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China's significant political gathering highlighted the ambition to extensively integrate AI into...
China's significant political gathering highlighted the ambition to extensively integrate AI into the economy by 2024. Although particulars are yet to be disclosed, proposals concerning AI model creation, data distribution, workforce training, and safety, discussed during the assembly, offer clues.

Post-Two Sessions Actions in China's AI Sector

Gearing Up for the AI Revolution: A Sneak Peek at China's 2024 AI Agenda

China's annual political conference, known as the "Two Sessions," concluded recently, casting a spotlight on the country's ambitions for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the coming year. While the specifics remain foggy, the proposals put forth during the meetings offer us a glimpse into what we might expect from China's AI evolution.

The Two Sessions, consisting of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), took place in Beijing from March 4-11, 2024. These sessions gather representatives from various sectors of society to deliberate on state affairs and shape the national agenda. A highlight of the Two Sessions is the delivery of the Government Work Report, which outlines progress and sets policy goals for the future.

The report made it clear that China intends to prioritize digital transformation by integrating AI across all sectors as part of the new "AI+" initiative. The report read: "We will actively develop the digital industry, transform traditional industries with digital technologies, and fully integrate digital technology into the real economy."

However, the specifics of the AI+ initiative are yet to be unveiled. But during the Two Sessions, various political advisors voiced their suggestions, providing insights into potential directions China might take in the AI sphere.

Four main categories of proposals emerged: model development, data sharing, skills development, and safety.

First, some participants proposed that China should focus on creating cutting-edge AI models to compete with industry leaders like OpenAI. Zhou Hongyi, CEO of 360 Group, suggested a two-pronged strategy for AI model development. On one side, he encouraged partnerships between large tech companies and key research institutions. On the other, he proposed launching a long-term open-source AI project to establish multiple national-level, open-source AI models and an open innovation ecosystem.

Second, participants suggested improving data sharing. Liu Qingfeng, chairman of iFlyTek, advocated for open sharing of high-quality data, particularly at the national level, to support the growth of China's AI industry. Cao Fei, CFO of Weibo, presented a proposal to foster an AI data trading market, making it easier for Chinese firms to buy and sell high-quality data necessary for leading AI models.

Third, ideas for training AI talent were proposed. Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, highlighted the need for AI education, suggesting including AI classes in the K-12 curriculum, opening more AI-related majors in universities, and encouraging companies to collaborate with universities to help future workers adapt to the ever-changing AI landscape. Zhou Yuan, CEO of Zhihu, offered suggestions for training AI talent, proposing better aligning vocational training options with industry needs and suggesting technical colleges collaborate with companies to set course standards.

Finally, some representatives emphasized AI safety and oversight. Zhou Hongyi, CEO of 360 Group, pointed out the importance of addressing potential AI risks. Qi Xiangdong, CEO of QAX, proposed more focus on "AI+ Safety" innovation and promoting "AI+ Safety" products across all industries. Zhang Yi, a partner at King & Wood Mallesons, advocated for the swift creation of a new AI law, classifying AI algorithms by risk level and applying different regulatory measures accordingly. Zhou Yuan, CEO of Zhihu, proposed supervising large AI models' data collection methods, sources, and compliance, and conducting social impact and risk assessments to tackle potential problems in a timely manner.

The AI+ initiative represents the latest step in China's ongoing quest for digital transformation, following earlier initiatives such as the "Internet" in 2015 and "Smart+" in 2019. The AI+ initiative symbolizes China's commitment to putting AI technologies into practical use, signaling that 2024 will be the "Year of AI Application."

Image credit: iStockPhoto

Insights: China's AI+ initiative is designed to integrate AI across all sectors, aiming to automate processes, boost productivity, and reduce operational costs. The initiative involves substantial investment in R&D, infrastructure expansion, and hardware improvements. Key areas of focus include model development, data sharing, skills development, and safety.

China is investing in AI research and development, with a push for model innovation. However, specific details on these aspects are not exclusively part of the AI+ initiative but are more widely aligned with the country's broader technology innovation goals.

Data sharing is a key component for the success of the AI+ initiative, although it is not explicitly mentioned as a key focus area. China has been expanding its data infrastructure, with over 250 AI data centers across the country, to support data-intensive applications.

The AI+ initiative includes policies for talent development, attracting international talent, and encouraging collaboration among government, industry, and academia to foster a skilled workforce.

China emphasizes inclusive AI governance and safety. Although specific safety measures within the AI+ initiative are not detailed, new tech-related regulations and AI governance norms are expected to be part of broader technology policies.

  1. China's AI+ initiative seeks to automate processes, boost productivity, and reduce operational costs by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) across all sectors.
  2. The AI+ initiative is anticipated to lead to substantial investment in research and development (R&D), infrastructure expansion, and hardware improvements.
  3. Model development is a key focus area in China's AI research and innovation goals, not just the AI+ initiative.
  4. Data sharing is crucial for the success of the AI+ initiative, as China expands its data infrastructure with over 250 AI data centers.
  5. China's AI+ initiative includes policies for talent development, attracting international talent, and fostering collaboration among government, industry, and academia to cultivate a skilled workforce.
  6. China emphasizes inclusive AI governance and safety, with new tech-related regulations and AI governance norms expected to be part of broader technology policies.

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