China has unveiled its ambitious new five-year plan that focuses heavily on artificial intelligence, as leaders look to secure an advantage in an intensifying rivalry with the United States.
The five-year plan was released at the inaugural session of the National People’s Congress and called for widespread adoption of AI across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, education and logistics.
The 141-page plan presents a broad “AI+ action plan” focused on integrating the technology across the Chinese economy.
Premier Li Qiang noted that technology is a pillar of what China calls “new quality productive forces,” suggesting a stronger emphasis than in previous policy schemes.
The government made clear it will pursue “decisive advances in key core technologies” and reach the “commanding heights” of global innovation.
Major fields of interest include quantum computing, 6G telecommunications, humanoid robots, nuclear fusion, and brain-computer interfaces.
Over the next five years, China aims to reduce its dependence on foreign technology, especially advanced semiconductors, due to rising trade tensions with the US.
In addition to technology, the government also announced a 7% increase in the defense budget for 2026.
