Digital News

　　Humanoid robots that can engage in conversation attracted large crowds of visitors; facial recognition devices, serving as “AI doctors,” can conduct remote consultations and generate health assessment reports with just a quick eye scan; and virtual bridges powered by digital twin technology give visitors an intuitive understanding of the sophisticated construction techniques behind world-class bridges…

　　At the recent 2025 China International Big Data Industry Expo (commonly known as the “Big Data Expo”) in Guiyang, these high-tech scenes vividly showcased how “AI Plus” is accelerating the empowerment of industries across the board.

　　Of the digital economy products and service solutions showcased by 375 domestic and international exhibitors, more than 60% were related to “AI Plus.” This not only offered visitors an early glimpse of what future life might look like, but also vividly highlighted China’s efforts to promote the “AI Plus” initiative and further advance the building of a digital China.

　　At the Big Data Expo, iFLYTEK introduced its conceptual proposal for the “Urban Intelligent Agent.” “Based on the wide array of intelligent agents and intelligent terminal exhibits on display, as well as discussions between domestic and international experts at the expo, it is evident that China’s ‘AI Plus’ initiative is having an increasingly tangible impact on consumption, production, and everyday life,” said Chen Minjun, General Manager of iFLYTEK’s Digital Government Business Department.

　　Yu Ying, Deputy Director of the National Data Administration of China, stated that the global digital economy has now entered a new stage centered on market-oriented data elements and driven by intelligent technologies.

　　This intelligence-driven empowerment effect is particularly evident in grassroots governance in China. The recently concluded “Village Super League” National Championship Grand Final drew massive crowds to the small county of Rongjiang in southwestern Guizhou. However, the influx of self-driving vehicles from across the country posed a major challenge to local traffic management.

　　Using the “Provincial Expressway Vehicle Operation Status” module, Guizhou’s traffic authorities have integrated data from expressway police checkpoints, ETC systems, and toll station ramp checkpoints to create a “real-time provincial expressway traffic map.” This system enables them to anticipate peak traffic periods and guide vehicles to divert via suburban ramps, effectively easing congestion. According to reports, this system has supported traffic management for thousands of large-scale events across the province, greatly improving traffic flow efficiency.

　　As China’s first national big data comprehensive pilot zone, Guizhou’s applications of intelligent technologies extend far beyond this.

　　To facilitate tourists’ summer travel to Guizhou, Guizhou has launched the tourism intelligent assistant “Huang Xiaoxi.” “The name ‘Huang Xiaoxi’ comes from the three most representative scenic spots in Guizhou: Huangguoshu Waterfall, Libo Xiaoqikong, and Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village. Whether tourists are travel experts or first-time visitors to Guizhou, they can enjoy thoughtful, intelligent services through it,” said Luo Qiang, Vice Governor of Guizhou Province.

　　Currently, Guizhou is promoting the coordinated linkage of computing power, data, applications, and industries, continuously strengthening and optimizing the digital economy. One of the core tasks is to develop the AI industry with a focus on industry-specific large models. “At present, we have created nearly 100 large model application scenarios in 24 key industries in the province,” said Luo Qiang.

　　Across the country, the reach of “AI Plus” is expanding into an ever-growing range of fields: intelligent inspection robots at the Daqing Oilfield have significantly improved oil pipeline operation and maintenance efficiency with high-precision oil leak detection and other advanced capabilities; AI-powered educational terminals in Shanghai can grade assignments in real time and push targeted exercises, earning them the nickname “AI private tutors” among parents; and the Guangzhou Municipal Government Service Center has integrated data from dozens of departments, enabling more services to be handled online through data exchange and reducing the need for citizens to make unnecessary trips.

　　The rapid advancement of intelligent technologies rests on a solid industrial foundation. China has become the world’s largest holder of AI patents, representing 60% of the global total. By the end of 2024, 302 generative AI services had been registered in China, and 9.4 million software developers were actively working on the frontlines of innovation, providing vital support for technological iteration.

　　To promote the AI industry, the Chinese government has recently rolled out policies such as the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan and provided dedicated funding. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, along with other departments, has established a 60-billion-yuan National AI Fund to continuously support projects that integrate AI with the economy. Meanwhile, more than 400 specialized and sophisticated “little giant” firms that produce novel and unique products are rapidly emerging in the AI sector, turning “AI empowerment” from an abstract concept into tangible, visible results.

　　Xie Shaofeng, Chief Engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, noted that this year’s government work report emphasizes the continued promotion of the “AI Plus” initiative, aiming to better integrate digital technologies with China’s manufacturing and market strengths and to support their large-scale, widespread application.

　　China recently released the Opinions on Deepening the Implementation of the “AI Plus” Initiative, which proposes to accelerate the implementation of six key areas of action—science and technology, industrial development, consumption upgrading, people’s well-being, governance capabilities, and global cooperation—providing a clear roadmap for the development of the AI industry.

　　During the interview, many experts noted that since the beginning of this year, amid a global environment of both competition and cooperation in AI, China’s AI boom has continued to surge, accelerating the empowerment of various sectors across the economy and society. In addition, China is actively engaging in global AI governance, advancing pilot projects for cross-border data flows and international joint R&D, and, through technology sharing and joint standard-setting, injecting Chinese momentum into global industrial upgrading and high-quality economic development.