China’s rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have positioned the nation as a dominant force in global technological innovation, playing a crucial role in shaping international collaboration and governance. At the World Internet Conference held in Wuzhen, China, Dr. Sean Heigeartaig, Director of the AI: Futures and Responsibility Programme at the University of Cambridge, highlighted China’s leadership in AI, emphasizing its impact on both global development and international cooperation. The summit, which concluded on November 24, 2024, featured groundbreaking innovations in AI, underscoring China’s growing influence in this transformative sector.
The conference, themed ‘Embracing a People-centered and AI-for-good Digital Future — Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace,’ showcased a series of technological breakthroughs, including humanoid robots, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVOTL) aircraft, unmanned tour buses, and AI-powered medical therapies. The Light of Internet Expo, which demonstrated cutting-edge digital solutions, along with 24 sub-forums and participation from over a thousand guests from 130 countries, placed AI at the center of discussions.
According to the China Internet Development Report 2024, the number of effective artificial intelligence invention patents in China reached 378,000 by the end of 2023, reflecting a year-on-year growth rate of more than 40%. This growth is nearly 1.4 times the global average, further solidifying China’s role as a global leader in AI innovation. The country has built thousands of digital plants and smart factories, integrating AI into a variety of industries and everyday life, from enhancing business operations to addressing global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and sustainable development.
Dr. Heigeartaig noted that China’s AI ecosystem demonstrates its capacity to offer solutions that go beyond commercial priorities, providing ideas for how AI can benefit people around the world. He pointed to the country’s commitment to using AI for social good, highlighting the importance of sustainable development through technology.
John Hoffman, CEO of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA), also discussed the transformative potential of AI in China. He highlighted how AI, combined with 5G and big data, is providing unprecedented opportunities for the enterprise sector in China. Notable achievements include the establishment of the world’s largest terrestrial augmentation base station network and the creation of the first large-scale regional digital road, which is helping to power China’s AI-driven infrastructure.
China’s advancements in generative AI are also noteworthy. As of March 2024, the country had developed over 100 large-scale AI models with more than 1 billion parameters each, powering industries such as education, healthcare, finance, and energy. From 2014 to 2023, China produced more than 38,000 generative AI inventions, ranking first globally in this field.
At the World Internet Conference, the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Professional Committee, consisting of 173 global AI experts, marked a significant step toward fostering global AI cooperation and governance. However, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to AI technology, particularly in rural and developing areas. Patrick Nijs, co-founder of the Europe-China Joint Innovation Center, stressed the need for China, Europe, and other nations to collaborate on addressing shared challenges such as food security and environmental protection, despite geopolitical tensions and intellectual property concerns.
China’s leadership in AI continues to shape the global technological landscape, pushing the boundaries of innovation while emphasizing the importance of international collaboration to address global challenges.