China has launched a new national initiative to integrate artificial intelligence across its manufacturing sector, unveiling detailed implementation opinions aimed at boosting industrial competitiveness, expanding AI deployments, and strengthening digital infrastructure. The plan, issued jointly by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and eight other agencies, outlines a coordinated “AI + Manufacturing” special action to be carried out through 2027.

According to the document, the initiative seeks to accelerate the fusion of AI and the real economy, reshape production models, and “cultivate new quality productive forces” in support of China’s broader industrial modernization strategy . By 2027, the government aims to deploy 3–5 general-purpose industrial models, develop sector-specific applications, release 1000 industrial intelligent agents, establish 100 high-quality manufacturing data sets, and promote 500 demonstration scenarios .

The plan’s scope spans core technologies, data governance, infrastructure, and workforce development. It calls for strengthening compute supply, advancing domain-specific models for industrial use, and building an integrated national compute coordination system . The initiative also introduces a “model + data resonance” mechanism to improve data quality and promote the adoption of chief data officer roles inside enterprises .

Manufacturing transformation is a central focus, with the government targeting full-chain upgrades across research and development, production, logistics, and supply-chain operations. The action plan highlights expanded use of predictive maintenance, intelligent scheduling, industrial simulation, and machine vision for quality inspection . Sector-specific guidance further outlines adoption pathways for industries such as steel, petrochemicals, automotive, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods .

The initiative additionally emphasizes ecosystem development—supporting industrial clusters, open-source communities, standards-setting, and the cultivation of specialized small and medium enterprises. It aims to produce globally competitive firms while upgrading industrial talent pipelines through AI-focused training and education programs .

Security and governance also feature prominently. The action plan calls for improved model safety, data protection, and risk monitoring, including classification systems, emergency mechanisms, and testing frameworks for industrial AI applications .

The release reflects China’s effort to solidify leadership in industrial AI as global governments explore regulatory and strategic frameworks for advanced computing. The agencies instructed regional authorities and enterprises to implement the plan “in light of actual conditions,” with further policy coordination expected in the coming year.

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