Li Qiang on Artificial Intelligence
TL;DR
Li Qiang strongly advocates for harnessing Artificial Intelligence to boost China's economic development and manufacturing sector integration.
Key Points
China pledged to harness Artificial Intelligence specifically for creating new employment opportunities as part of its 2026 policy agenda.
The Premier's government views AI integration into manufacturing as a key method to narrow the digital economy gap with the United States.
Li Qiang stated that China successfully met its major economic and social targets for the previous year, with technology driving progress.
Summary
Li Qiang, in his capacity as Premier, has strongly positioned Artificial Intelligence as a critical component of China's future economic strategy. He has emphasized harnessing AI to create new jobs and to drive the integration of AI into the nation's manufacturing base, aiming to close the digital economy gap with international rivals. This stance is articulated in policy agendas where leveraging new technologies like AI is presented as essential for national growth targets.
His administration views the strategic deployment of AI as necessary for industrial upgrading and for mitigating economic challenges. The commitment involves plans to actively support the technology's application, suggesting a proactive governmental role in steering AI development toward tangible economic and societal benefits, such as job creation. This focus aligns with broader national goals of technological self-reliance and industrial modernization.
Key Quotes
To firm up the foundations of the real economy, we must modernize the industrial system with advanced manufacturing as its backbone,” he said, adding that “to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, we must deliver advances in original innovation and breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields,”
We need to seize the opportunities to enhance international cooperation on scientific and technological innovation, and oppose such moves as putting up walls and barriers and blocking the flow of technology.
China must understand AI development trends accurately, Li said, encouraging breakthroughs across the entire chain, and for broad implementation in diverse scenarios to unlock the potential of the technology in an improved manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Li Qiang holds a strongly positive and proactive position regarding Artificial Intelligence, viewing it as essential for national economic advancement. He champions the strategic deployment of AI across industries, particularly in manufacturing, to secure growth and technological parity.
The available information indicates a consistent focus on leveraging technology for economic modernization under Li Qiang's tenure. There is no public evidence suggesting a significant evolution or reversal of his core advocacy for AI's industrial role.
The Premier has explicitly stated that China plans to utilize Artificial Intelligence as a tool for generating new jobs. This linkage between AI adoption and employment targets is a core part of the current policy agenda he promotes.
Sources5
China parliament to approve growth, policy plans amid growing US rivalry
China pledges to harness AI for job creation in 2026 policy agenda
China bets on AI in manufacturing integration to narrow digital economy gap with US
Chinese Premier Li Qiang said China successfully met its major economic and social targets for the previous year
Premier Li Qiang Attends First Plenary Meeting of the Second Session of the 14th National People's Congress
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.