China to Strengthen Artificial Intelligence Development with New Legislation

China has included a draft AI law in its legislative agenda for the State Council in 2023, which will be reviewed by the National People’s Congress. The goal is to improve AI research, development, and innovation, foster an open innovation ecosystem, and accelerate AI deployment in scientific research, healthcare services, cultural creativity, and ecological governance.

Liang Yingda, Director of the Strategic Planning Department at the Ministry of Science and Technology, announced the inclusion of an AI draft law in the State Council’s legislative agenda for 2023. The law will be reviewed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. Liang emphasized the importance of pioneering research, innovation, open development, technology for the greater good, and responsible AI development.

The Chinese government implemented a development plan for the new generation of AI in 2017, establishing the New Generation AI Development Planning Office. The plan includes 15 departments, including the Ministry of Science and Technology. China supports research in fundamental theories, core algorithms, generic technologies, and innovative applications. The country has established national innovation and development pilot zones in 18 regions, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin. 32 AI open innovation platforms have been established, focusing on areas like software and hardware, intelligent speech, vision, and healthcare.

China also promotes AI governance, integrating ethical and moral considerations throughout the lifecycle. The AI draft law has been included in the State Council’s legislative agenda for 2023, further accelerating AI legislation.

The global advancement of AI is rapidly progressing, with breakthroughs in large-scale pre-trained models paving the way for general AI and multimodal and multitask systems. Technology routes like brain-like intelligence and quantum intelligence are evolving, paving the way for a new paradigm of general AI and driving significant technological transformations. AI applications are expanding from consumer to production, deeply integrating with sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and transportation. Innovation in AI products and services is driving comprehensive integration into various aspects of technology, economy, and social development.

Liang Yingda emphasized China’s focus on AI development and governance, collaborating with international colleagues to promote security and share benefits. Key areas include strengthening AI technology research, encouraging original innovation, establishing a comprehensive framework, solidifying theoretical foundations, building an open innovation ecosystem, and accelerating AI deployment in scientific research, healthcare services, cultural creativity, and ecological governance. The country aims to accelerate the deployment of AI in various fields, leveraging its strengths and capabilities.