China has adopted a broad set of economic development guidelines that combine efforts to expand the use of artificial intelligence across industries with tighter oversight of the technology.
The guidelines were issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, according to China's official Xinhua News Agency.
The measures are designed to accelerate the development of what Beijing describes as new quality productive forces, with technology and industrial innovation playing a central role.
19 Measures Across Five Areas
The new guidelines contain 19 key measures divided into five major areas.
They include strengthening scientific and technological innovation and deepening the integration of technological innovation with industrial development.
A major component is the full implementation of China's AI Plus initiative, which aims to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across different sectors of the economy.
The initiative is intended to expand the use of AI beyond individual industries and promote broader technology-driven economic transformation.
Beijing Calls for Human Oversight of AI
The new guidelines come after Chinese President Xi Jinping said earlier this summer that artificial intelligence should remain under human control.
Xi also called for stronger laws and regulations governing AI, along with technological monitoring systems, early-warning mechanisms and emergency response measures.
The approach reflects China's attempt to expand AI adoption while maintaining greater government oversight of how the technology is developed and used.
Different Approaches in China and the U.S.
China's regulatory approach contrasts with the position taken by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has described artificial intelligence as a key area of competition with China.
Trump has called for reducing government restrictions and regulations on AI to encourage faster technological development.
Senior U.S. technology executives also agreed to a self-regulatory framework during a meeting with Trump late last month. Trump described the agreement as an ethical commitment by the industry.
The differing approaches highlight a broader debate over how governments should balance AI innovation with safety, accountability and regulation.
China Expands AI Regulation
China already has an extensive regulatory framework covering various applications of artificial intelligence.
The rules extend to areas involving children and emerging AI-powered technologies.
Regulations governing AI-powered companion robots came into effect in July, with the stated aim of limiting emotional dependence on such systems.
The rules also prohibit the creation of digital versions of real people without their consent.
AI Becomes a Strategic Economic Priority
China's latest guidelines demonstrate that Beijing is seeking to make artificial intelligence a major driver of economic and industrial development while maintaining significant regulatory oversight.
The policy direction reflects a dual strategy: expanding AI adoption throughout the economy while establishing rules designed to keep the technology under human and government supervision.