Beijing, China – In a major push to bolster its technological sovereignty and industrial competitiveness amid intensifying global AI competition, China has announced a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving a "secure and reliable supply" of key core artificial intelligence (AI) technologies by 2027. The plan also seeks to maintain the country's AI industrial scale and empowerment capabilities at the forefront of global rankings.
The strategy was jointly issued on January 7, 2026, by eight government departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Cyberspace Administration of China, the National Development and Reform Commission, and others. Titled as guiding opinions on promoting the deep integration of AI with the manufacturing sector, the document emphasizes empowering modern industrialization, cultivating new high-quality productive forces, and driving profound AI applications in real-world industrial scenarios.
According to state media reports, the plan sets specific, measurable targets for 2027. These include the creation of 100 high-quality industrial datasets, the promotion of 500 typical AI application scenarios in manufacturing, the deep integration of three to five general-purpose large AI models into production processes, and the development of specialized, industry-specific large models that provide full coverage across sectors.
Furthermore, China aims to nurture two to three ecosystem-leading enterprises with global influence, a cohort of specialized and sophisticated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and a network of enabling service providers proficient in both AI technologies and deep industry knowledge. The strategy also prioritizes enhancing security governance capabilities, building a world-class open-source AI ecosystem, and contributing Chinese solutions to global AI advancement.
Key measures outlined in the document focus on technological self-reliance and innovation. These include promoting coordinated development of AI chips' hardware and software, advancing breakthroughs in model training and inference techniques, and cultivating industry-unique large models. The plan stresses the profound integration of large model technologies into core production processes, while placing significant emphasis on critical areas such as training data protection and security safeguards for industrial model algorithms.
This initiative comes at a time when China is navigating U.S.-led export controls on advanced semiconductors and AI technologies, which have prompted Beijing to accelerate domestic innovation. Analysts view the 2027 targets as part of a broader "AI Plus" framework, aligning with earlier policies that seek to integrate AI across key economic sectors to drive high-quality development.
The emphasis on secure supply chains for core AI technologies reflects concerns over external dependencies, particularly in chips and computing power. By fostering hardware-software synergy and open-source ecosystems, the plan aims to mitigate risks and position China as a leader in industrial AI applications.
In manufacturing specifically, the strategy envisions AI transforming traditional factories into smart, efficient operations. This includes deploying large models for predictive maintenance, quality control, supply chain optimization, and flexible production lines. The goal of 500 application scenarios underscores a scenario-driven approach, where real-world use cases accelerate AI adoption and feedback loops for improvement.
The cultivation of leading firms and specialized SMEs is intended to create a robust AI-industrial ecosystem. Ecosystem leaders could include giants like Huawei, Baidu, or Alibaba, while SMEs would focus on niche solutions tailored to specific industries such as automotive, electronics, or aerospace.
Security governance is another pillar, addressing potential vulnerabilities in AI systems deployed in critical infrastructure. This involves developing standards for data privacy, algorithm transparency, and cyber defenses tailored to industrial environments.
Globally, China's push aligns with its contributions to international AI standards and open-source projects, potentially influencing frameworks in developing nations through initiatives like the Belt and Road.
Experts note that achieving these goals will require substantial investment in talent, infrastructure, and R&D. China's AI sector has already seen rapid growth, with the country leading in patent filings and deployments in areas like facial recognition and smart cities. However, challenges remain in foundational innovations, where the U.S. still holds advantages in cutting-edge research.
The plan builds on previous policies, such as the "New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan" from 2017 and recent "AI Plus" initiatives announced in 2025. By setting 2027 as a milestone, it provides a clear timeline for measurable progress, with potential extensions toward fuller integration by 2030.
International observers see this as a response to geopolitical tech tensions, with China aiming to reduce vulnerabilities while expanding its influence in global AI supply chains. The strategy could also boost exports of Chinese AI solutions, particularly in manufacturing tech for emerging markets.
As implementation begins, stakeholders across industry and academia are expected to align efforts with these guidelines, potentially unlocking new growth drivers for the world's second-largest economy.
