By Bethany Allen, Nathan Attrill, Fergus Ryan
Publication Date: 2026-03-17 19:00:00
China’s latest five-year plan enshrines artificial intelligence as a key driver of economic growth and technological innovation.
While the United States is still a leader in AI research and the most advanced models, China has focused heavily on large-scale deployment of AI across its economy. By attempting to replicate the industrial policy playbook that propelled its electric vehicle industry to global dominance, China hopes to transform large-scale AI deployment into a new source of economic strength and, ultimately, a pillar of China’s national power.
Achieving China’s AI goals is not just about AI dominance; It is also about creating a dynamic foundation for future economic growth. National Development and Reform Commission chief Zheng Shanjie said last week that AI-related industries are expected to exceed 10 trillion yuan (around A$2 trillion) by 2030.
The 15th Five-Year Plan, officially adopted last week during the annual national meetings of the country’s political elite, identifies…
