China’s five-year plan emphasises ‘orderly’ AI development amid global tech volatility

Beijing has emphasised the safe and orderly development of artificial intelligence amid growing global anxiety about the disruptive impact of the rapidly advancing technology, as the country’s leaders put the final stamp of approval on China’s next five-year plan at this year’s “two sessions”. The 15th five-year plan elevates China’s AI Plus initiative as a top national priority, according to a draft version of the document submitted for review to the National People’s Congress, China’s top... AdvertisementArtificial intelligenceTechPolicyChina’s five-year plan emphasises ‘orderly’ AI development amid global tech volatilityFirst announced in 2024, the AI Plus initiative includes a target of integrating AI into 90 per cent of China’s economy by 20303-MIN READ3-MINVincent Chowin Hong Kong,Wency Chenin ShanghaiandEnoch Yiuin Hong KongPublished: 11:30pm, 5 Mar 2026Beijing has emphasised the safe and orderly development of artificial intelligence amid growing global anxiety about the disruptive impact of the rapidly advancing technology, as the country’s leaders put the final stamp of approval on China’s next five-year plan at this year’s “two sessions”.The 15th five-year plan elevates China’s AI Plus initiative as a top national priority, according to a draft version of the document submitted for review to the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, on Thursday and seen by the South China Morning Post.First announced in 2024, the AI Plus initiative includes a target of integrating AI into 90 per cent of China’s economy by 2030, the final year of the 15th five-year plan.AdvertisementAI is mentioned 52 times throughout the document, compared to 11 times in the 14th five-year plan released in 2021, as Beijing looks to ensure self-reliance in a technology with huge geopolitical and economic implications.But while it emphasises the importance of accelerated breakthroughs in fundamental AI technologies, including high-performance chips and foundational models, the document includes numerous provisions to ensure that rapid AI progress happens smoothly.The logos of China’s DeepSeek and US firm OpenAI are displayed in this illustration. Photo: ReutersDrawing on language from AI Plus as well as recent AI-related regulations, the planning document calls for the construction of a “beneficial, safe and fair development environment” for AI through measures such as new standards and ethical guidelines, as well as strengthened rules surrounding ownership of AI-generated content.AdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x