Xi Jinping Chairs the 20th Collective Study Session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Delivers an Important Speech

On the afternoon of April 25, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held its 20th collective study session on strengthening the development and regulation of artificial intelligence. While presiding over the session, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that, in the face of the rapid evolution of next-generation AI technologies, it is essential to fully leverage the advantages of the new national system, uphold self-reliance and self-strengthening, prioritize application-oriented approaches, and promote the healthy and orderly development of China’s AI in a direction that is beneficial, safe, and equitable.

Comrade Zheng Nanning, a professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University, provided an explanation on this issue and put forward relevant recommendations for work. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee listened carefully to the briefing and engaged in discussion.

After listening to briefings and engaging in discussions, Xi Jinping delivered an important speech. He pointed out that artificial intelligence, as a strategic technology driving a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, has profoundly reshaped human modes of production and life. The Party Central Committee attaches great importance to the development of AI, and in recent years has refined top-level design, strengthened work planning, and promoted a comprehensive and systematic leap in China’s overall AI capabilities. At the same time, shortcomings and weaknesses remain in fundamental theories and critical core technologies. We must squarely face these gaps, redouble our efforts, and comprehensively advance AI-related scientific and technological innovation, industrial development, and application-driven empowerment; at the same time, we must improve the regulatory systems and mechanisms for AI and firmly maintain control over the initiative in both the development and governance of AI.

Xi Jinping emphasized that to take the lead and gain a competitive edge in the field of artificial intelligence, breakthroughs must be achieved in fundamental theories, methodologies, and tools. It is essential to continuously strengthen basic research, concentrate resources on mastering core technologies such as high-end chips and foundational software, and build an independently controllable, collaboratively operated AI infrastructure of hardware and software. Furthermore, AI should be leveraged to drive a transformation in the research paradigm and accelerate technological innovation and breakthroughs across all sectors.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China boasts abundant data resources, a well-developed industrial system, broad application scenarios, and enormous market potential. It is essential to promote the deep integration of AI-driven technological innovation with industrial innovation, establish a collaborative innovation ecosystem led by enterprises that brings together industry, academia, research institutions, and end-users, and thereby facilitate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries while opening up new avenues for the development of strategic emerging industries and future-oriented sectors. At the same time, we must coordinate and advance the construction of computing-power infrastructure and deepen the development, utilization, and open sharing of data resources.

Xi Jinping emphasized that, as a new technology and emerging field, artificial intelligence requires robust policy support. It is essential to comprehensively leverage policies related to intellectual property, fiscal and tax measures, government procurement, and the opening of research facilities to effectively integrate science and technology with finance. We should advance AI education across all levels of the education system and promote AI literacy throughout society, thereby continuously cultivating high-caliber talent. Furthermore, we must improve mechanisms for safeguarding AI research, providing career support, and evaluating talent, so as to create platforms and favorable conditions that enable individuals from all backgrounds to fully realize their potential.

Xi Jinping pointed out that artificial intelligence presents unprecedented opportunities for development, while also posing unprecedented risks and challenges. It is essential to grasp the trends and underlying principles governing the development of AI, accelerate the formulation and refinement of relevant laws and regulations, policies and institutional frameworks, application standards, and ethical guidelines, and establish a comprehensive system for technological monitoring, risk early warning, and emergency response, so as to ensure that AI is safe, reliable, and controllable.

Xi Jinping emphasized that artificial intelligence can serve as an international public good that benefits humanity. It is essential to engage in extensive international cooperation on AI, assist countries of the Global South in strengthening their technological capacity-building, and make China’s contribution to bridging the global AI divide. We should also promote greater alignment and coordination among all parties on development strategies, governance rules, and technical standards, with a view to promptly establishing a globally recognized governance framework and set of standards and norms based on broad consensus.