Chinese President Xi Jinping has underscored artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic priority for China, calling on the nation’s technology companies to accelerate innovation and achieve self-reliance in this transformative field. Speaking at a high-level Communist Party meeting on emerging technologies, Xi highlighted AI’s profound impact on production and daily life, urging China to seize the initiative in both AI development and governance to secure a competitive edge globally.
Xi acknowledged existing gaps in China’s foundational AI theories and core technologies, particularly in advanced chips and software, and stressed the need for intensified scientific research and industrial application. He emphasized a balanced approach to AI growth – one that is beneficial, safe, and equitable – while advocating for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure China maintains control over AI’s future.
Central to China’s AI ambitions is the homegrown AI model DeepSeek, developed by the Chinese tech firm High-Flyer. Launched in early 2025, DeepSeek has garnered global attention for its low cost and competitive performance against Western counterparts like OpenAI’s models. However, the U.S. House Select Committee on Strategic Competition branded DeepSeek a “profound threat” to America’s national security, accusing it of close ties to the Chinese Communist Party and potential misuse for espionage and military applications. This security alarm has led several countries, including India, Japan, and Australia, to restrict DeepSeek’s use by government officials over fears of data leaks and privacy violations. India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology flagged DeepSeek’s data practices as potentially breaching its 2024 Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Beijing has condemned these bans, accusing the West of politicizing technology and stifling innovation.
Xi’s push for AI leadership comes amid escalating U.S.-China tech tensions, with Washington imposing export controls on advanced AI chips and technologies to curb China’s access. In response, Chinese firms like Huawei and Baidu are ramping up domestic AI chip development despite sanctions. China’s focus on applied AI-such as facial recognition and smart city technologies-has given it an edge in real-world deployments, even as it lags in foundational research.
The Chinese leader’s vision aligns with the broader “Made in China 2025” strategy aiming for technological self-sufficiency by 2035. Xi’s recent visit to Shanghai reinforced the city’s role as a hub for AI innovation and governance, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing AI capabilities despite international headwinds.
Xi Jinping’s message to China’s tech sector is clear : accelerate AI innovation, strengthen self-reliance, and navigate geopolitical challenges to ensure China emerges as a global AI powerhouse. The DeepSeek controversy exemplifies the high-stakes competition shaping the new technological Cold War, with India and other nations caught in the crossfire of security concerns and technological rivalry.