China is embarking on an ambitious initiative to establish numerous regional artificial intelligence (AI) “highlands” throughout the country. This strategic move will help the country to intensify its focus on research and development in the field of AI. 

The country also plans to develop complementary tech platforms to further support its advancements in AI technology and solidify its position as a leading player in the global AI landscape.

During the 7th World Intelligence Conference, Wang Zhigang, the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology, announced China’s plans to construct these highlands and technological platforms dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI). He said that by promoting the development of AI-enabled economic and social sectors, China seeks to accelerate overall economic growth and societal progress. This initiative reflects the nation’s strong commitment to advancing AI technology and harnessing its potential for transformative innovation and development.

Wang highlighted that the rapid advancements in brain-like intelligence, quantum intelligence, big data, and other key technological domains have spurred a significant breakthrough in frontier fields. This breakthrough is anticipated to drive substantial technological transformations, bringing about major changes in various industries.

The World Intelligence Conference (WIC) witnessed the active involvement of 117 of the world’s top 500 companies, 369 of China’s top 500 companies, and over 1,000 renowned unicorn technology companies, universities, and institutions. This prominent gathering exhibits cutting-edge technologies, including AI and the metauniverse, allowing for a display of the latest advancements in intelligent industries, smart cities, smart manufacturing, and smart living.

What is China’s Position in the Global AI Race?

As of 2022, China has secured the top position globally in terms of the number of AI patent applications. Official statistics highlight China’s leading position in crucial AI fields such as computer vision, natural language processing, and voice recognition. The core industry scale in these areas has surpassed 500 billion yuan ($71.2 billion), with over 4,200 representative enterprises. This accounts for approximately 16 percent of the world’s total, solidifying China’s significant presence in the AI landscape.

While OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard remain unavailable due to restrictions, several prominent Chinese tech companies, including Baidu, Alibaba Group Holding, and SenseTime, have introduced domestic alternatives. These homegrown services adhere to censorship rules and other regulatory requirements imposed in China. The emergence of these domestic alternatives reflects the country’s commitment to fostering its own AI capabilities and providing compliant solutions to meet the needs of its users within the regulatory framework.

China believes that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) is a double-edged sword as it offers enhanced efficiency in industries while also posing potential risks. However, the government said that it has taken steps to address these concerns by issuing governance guidance and ethical norms for AI regulation.

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