China’s 15th Five-Year Plan Highlights Expanded Role for AI

China has approved its 15th Five-Year Plan, setting national priorities through 2030 across economic, industrial, and social systems. Artificial intelligence is referenced throughout the document as a key enabling technology across sectors. The plan places AI alongside quantum computing, biotechnology, and energy within its strategic science priorities. It calls for continued development of high-performance AI chips, supporting software, and research into model architectures and core algorithms.

Infrastructure development is a central focus. Expansion of satellite systems, 5G-Advanced, and early-stage 6G networks is intended to support AI workloads, alongside improvements in data transmission and processing capacity. Within digital infrastructure, AI development is framed across three areas: computing power, models, and data systems. The plan proposes national “intelligent computing clusters” and includes mechanisms such as leasing compute resources to expand access, particularly for smaller firms. The document also highlights continued research into multimodal, agent-based, and embodied AI systems. It identifies manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and service industries as key sectors for adoption, with applications in production processes, energy management, logistics, and finance.

At the consumer level, the plan calls for wider availability of AI-enabled devices, including smartphones, computers, and robotics. It links these to use cases in education, healthcare, elder care, and social services, such as adaptive learning and diagnostic support. The plan also outlines expanded use of AI in public sector operations, including digital government services supported by integrated data systems, with applications in administration and risk assessment.

Governance is addressed through proposals for strengthened legal and regulatory frameworks, including requirements related to algorithm registration, security, and transparency. Risks such as data misuse and deepfakes are also noted. The document indicates a selective approach to international cooperation, particularly around standards for data flows and infrastructure.

While detailed implementation measures are not specified, the plan sets a broad direction for the role of AI in China’s development over the coming years.