Editor's note: Shao Xia is a special commentator on international affairs for CGTN. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

China's artificial intelligence (AI) revolution is transforming daily life at a remarkable pace. From over 500 million people using AI tools like Doubao and DeepSeek to unmanned delivery vehicles navigating Beijing's bustling streets, the nation is embracing an intelligent future.

Scenes nationwide epitomize China's breakneck expansion in AI: In Zhejiang Province in east China, an AI model co-developed by a hospital and a tech firm can detect stomach cancer six months earlier than human radiologists. In Hangzhou, Zhejiang's capital city, AI-enhanced intelligent traffic system has alleviated congestion. In a factory in Henan Province in central China, robotic arms weld product parts with millimeter precision.

The output value of China's AI industry, with over 5,300 enterprises, exceeded $120 billion in 2025. China accounts for nearly 40 percent of global AI patent applications, the highest share worldwide.

Such rapid progress has drawn international attention. Global figures such as Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have publicly praised China's advancements, acknowledging its growing influence in reshaping the global AI landscape. What, then, is the code behind China's AI ascent?

Innovating against odds

China's AI journey began with the courage to "march up the mountain, well aware of the tigers' presence."

In the face of persistent external pressure, including escalating export controls on high-end chips and high-bandwidth memory, China has responded with innovative thinking and independent research to break through technological barriers.

Chinese companies are turning constraints into opportunities. Huawei has proposed a "Hypernode+Cluster" computing power solution, providing scalable and sustainable computational support for the AI ecosystem.

Infinigence AI tackled the challenge of integrating heterogeneous domestic chip clusters, boosting efficiency to 97 percent. ByteDance's TikTok carved a unique path in the Western-dominated social media landscape with its revolutionary recommendation algorithm, while DeepSeek's open-source large model, characterized by openness, cost-effectiveness, and high efficiency, offers a new paradigm for global AI development.

These breakthroughs reflect Chinese companies' resolve to confront challenges head-on and their ingenuity and capability to innovate under constraints. This approach has not only fueled technological autonomy but also positioned China to carve out a distinct path in the global AI race.

Governance-market synergy

China's AI success stems from a powerful synergy between proactive governance and vibrant market forces.

The government has established a comprehensive policy framework to systematically nurture AI development. The "Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan" issued in 2017 made China one of the first major economies to launch a national AI strategy. In 2025, further policy directives have reinforced the "AI+" initiative, accelerating deep integration of AI across economic and social sectors.

Policy support has ignited market vitality. In the third quarter of 2025, the domestic AI sector recorded 435 new financing deals, showing the market confidence in China's AI potential. Together, government guidance and market dynamism have formed a "dual-engine drive," propelling China's AI advancement with complementary strength.

Collaboration and responsibility

Amid intensifying global competition, China champions the principle of "extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits," seeking to transform the AI arena into a "shared garden" where AI is for good and for all.

China put forward the "AI+ International Cooperation Initiative" to leverage AI for sustainable development, and is leading in the effort to formulate international standards for AI. China also supports the central role of the UN in AI governance, facilitating the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on strengthening international cooperation in AI capacity building.

It has launched the "AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All" to help other developing nations embark on the fast track of AI development.

Within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, China has established scientific and technological cooperation with over 160 countries and regions, working to narrow the AI divide and empower collective progress. This year, China proposed the establishment of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, aiming to provide the international community with public goods on AI through enhanced cooperation on development strategies, governance rules and technological standards. 

China's AI journey reflects how an ancient civilization is navigating technological transformation in its own distinct way. It blends a spirit of tenacity and ingenuity in confronting challenges, a synergy between the government and market forces, and active participation in global governance.

In an age of uncertainty, China's experience offers a timely insight: The true measurement of technological progress lies not in building smarter machines and applications, but in ensuring that they serve humanity's broader welfare.

If the complex interplay of competition and collaboration in the AI domain is managed this way, the ultimate winner will be the entire humanity. The future demands – and will be shaped by – our collective wisdom. ​

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