China Aligns AI Policy With Industrial Development

China is accelerating AI deployment ahead of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30), with President Xi Jinping visiting the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center in April 2025 and officials promoting industry support. The government cites more than 6,000 AI firms and a core AI industry exceeding 1.2 trillion yuan in 2025, backing measures including a 60 billion yuan investment fund, compute subsidies, and pilot programs. The push targets self-reliance, embodied AI, and wider industrial adoption.