China has built a relatively comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) industrial system, with the value of its core sector approaching 600 billion yuan (1 yuan = Rp2,268) by April 2025, as announced by China's National Development and Reform Commission.
The details were outlined in an introduction to China's AI development delivered by NDRC official Huang Ru at the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Forum held in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin.
Huang said AI patent applications in China have exceeded 1.5 million, or nearly 40 percent of the total global AI patent applications.
China has made comprehensive progress in AI development, fostering a thriving AI industry ecosystem. China now has more than 400 “little giants,” small and medium-sized companies that specialize and excel in very specific ( niche ) AI markets, including AI innovator DeepSeek.
The SCO is a comprehensive regional cooperation organization covering the world's largest territory and population, and has extensive data resources and diverse AI application scenarios.
Huang said that accelerating cooperation in AI technology and its application will provide new impetus to the economic and social development of SCO member states. In addition, this cooperation is expected to promote more inclusive global development and become an important bridge in reducing the digital divide worldwide.China is ready to collaborate with other SCO member states to consistently uphold the "Shanghai Spirit" and increase joint efforts to promote the development of beneficial, safe and fair AI, Huang added.
