TECH

China Accelerates AI Push as Industry Surpasses 1.2 Trillion Yuan

Published: Mar. 6, 2026 1:20 a.m. GMT+8

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Li Lecheng attends the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress on March 5, 2026. Photo: VCG

China’s core artificial intelligence industry surpassed 1.2 trillion yuan ($174 billion) in 2025 and expanded to more than 6,200 enterprises, according to the country’s industry minister.

Speaking Thursday during the annual legislative meetings known as the “Two Sessions,” Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Lecheng said artificial intelligence has become a powerful driver of high-quality economic development. The briefing marked Li’s first appearance at the event since he took over leadership of the ministry in April 2025.

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Explore the story in 30 seconds

China’s core AI industry surpassed 1.2 trillion yuan ($174 billion) in 2025 with over 6,200 enterprises and over 300 humanoid robot models.
AI adoption exceeded 30% among large manufacturers; high-tech and equipment manufacturing made up 17.1% and 36.8% of value-added, respectively.
Government aims for secure core AI supply by 2027, promoting large-scale AI application, intelligent agents, and global governance cooperation.

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